Marian Keyes, the book author is leading the way towards a kinder Irish society. Recently she was described as a “National treasure” at an event in the National Concert Hall, where her fans gathered to celebrate her latest book “Grown ups”.
A card carrying liberal
Marian told the audience she is
“A card carrying bleeding heart liberal, “I am really happy to pay much more tax if I knew it was going to get people off waiting lists or to build social housing. I think the young people of this country have been stiffed the most. I think it’s appalling the way it is impossible to find somewhere to rent and I think it’s appalling that there has not been an underground built in this traffic-choked city”
Marian takes action
Marian does not just talk she also takes action. Recently she appeared in a video supporting the campaign to treat drug use as a health rather than criminal issue. You can see it here
She was also a leading supporter of the Together for Yes campaign, actively campaigning and matching donations to get the poster campaign started. She got a lot of abuse for this.
Her book “The break” had a middle aged married woman travelling to London for an abortion.
Her books are not just “chick lit”
Marian Keyes books are often put down as just being “chick lit”, a term used to slag off books aimed at women. Part of our charming misogynistic culture when women’s literature, interest and lives are valued less than men’s.
Her books as well as being entertaining, actually help people. For example, “Saved by Cake” was written when she was suffering from depression. I’ve watched as one person I love, worked their way through the book and yes, it did actually help their depression
Rachel’s Holiday
Fans are delighted she’s announced a sequel to Rachel’s Holiday. This book describes Rachel going to what she thinks is a holiday resort for people with a little addiction problem, which turns out to be a really tough boot camp.
We often recommend the book for people who have a drink problem but also for people who want to know all that’s wrong with our addiction treatment services. It’s a beautiful moving, uplifting, insightful story.
Follow Marian on twitter
I’m obviously a fan and I follow Marian Keyes on Twitter. She is hilarious, kind and really witty and I’ve often laughed out loud at her tweets.
Here’s just one
“I’d like to carry a sign saying, “I’M 56, STOP ASKING ME TO BE THIN, IT IS NOT POSSIBLE!”
Old Vumman gives Marian a hard time
Marian often tells about her Mother who she calls “Old Vumman”. Here’s one example.
“RingRing
Old Vumman: Hay-loh
Me: its me!
OV: What NOW?
Me: Graham Norton likes my book! …………….. ……………..
OV: Graham Norton off the telly?
Me: Yes!
OV: …how do you know?
Me: He TWEETED it
OV: It probably wasn’t him AT ALL! He could have been HACKED”
This type of put down from Old Vumman is pretty constant. Being lucky enough to have a Mother, who once I reached adulthood thought I was wonderful and could do no wrong, I often wonder what impact it has on Marian. Must be tough having a Mother who rarely praises you. Marian sometimes seems very vulnerable when she’s doing her videos and tweets.
Marian Keyes is honest
What I admire most of all about Marian, is she is so honest about her own problems with alcohol. She has to stay off alcohol entirely. By being so honest, she’s helping to reduce the stigma around drinking too much and showing people with alcohol problems are talented, creative, kind and sensitive. They are not horrible, nasty people, labels society often places on them.
Marian can help if you’re feeling down
So if you’re feeling down in this peak Christmas drinking season, have a read of Rachel’s holiday, it’s available in public libraries. Or listen to Marian on Desert Island Discs here.
Marian will also be speaking at an event in the National Concert Hall in February and you can book here.
So for an enjoyable evening go along to listen to this national treasure.
PS If you’d like more tips on managing your drinking click here.
