Under the Duvet: Shoes, Reviews, Having the Blues, Builders, Babies, Families and Other Calamities – Funny and Personal Observations on Modern Life

Under the Duvet #1

by Marian Keyes

From the acclaimed bestselling author of Sushi for Beginners and Angels comes a collection of personal essays on shopping, writing, moviemaking, motherhood and all the assorted calamities involved in being a savvy woman in the new millennium.

Her novels are read and adored by millions around the world, and with Under the Duvet, Marian Keyes tackles the world of nonfiction. These are her collected pieces: regular bulletins from the woman writing under the covers.

Marian loves shoes and her LTFs (Long-Term Friends), hates realtors and lost luggage, and she once had a Christmas office party that involved roasting two sheep on a spit, Moroccan-style. She's just like you and me ...

Featuring a wide compilation of Marian's journalism from magazines and newspapers, plus some exclusive, previously unpublished material, Under the Duvet is bursting with funny stories: observations on life, in-laws, weight loss, parties and driving lessons that will keep you utterly gripped -- either wincing with recognition or roaring with laughter.

Genres: Chick Lit, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Essays, Humor, Memoir, Biography

315 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2001

About the author

Marian Keyes (born 10 September 1963) is an Irish novelist and non-fiction writer, best known for her work in women's literature. She is an Irish Book Awards winner. Over 22 million copies of her novels have been sold worldwide and her books have been translated into 32 languages. She became known worldwide for Watermelon, Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married, and This Charming Man, with themes including domestic violence and alcoholism.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Marian Keyes. My friends Kathy and Jenn would call her stuff "pink books" (i.e. frothy chick lit), and they definitely all start out that way: oh no, I'm getting married in three days and I'm too fat! Oh no, I woke up in some strange guy's house after a night of heavy drinking!! Oh no, I have nothing to wear to the party!!! Pretty standard Pink-ness.

But then, somewhere along the way, Keyes' books turn your expectations on their ear. She writes about alcoholism, or loneliness, or having an adult relationship with your parents, and she does it with truth and depth. I think I've read every one of her novels now and each one has (pleasantly) surprised me in this way.

So I was eager to read this collection of essays about the author's real life. It's good! Some of the stories--like the time she lost her passport two days before a trip to see her brother get married and had to plead her case to the bureaucrats at the Irish embassy--are standard Keysian comedy. Others, like when she recounts her recovery from addiction, are quietly moving.

I confess that my favorite is the one where she somehow winds up as a beauty product tester for a magazine and gets daily shipments from all the cosmetics companies. Her description of her long-suffering husband's reaction is hilarious. But c'mon, doesn't that sound like a dream job to you, too? Free girly stuff in the mail?! In this essay more than any other, Keyes feels like a good girlfriend, the kind who gets to do things you've always wanted to do...and then loyally reports back, full of gossipy details.

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting out, I'm happy to report that I liked this collection of essays/columns/articles/short writings a great deal - actually lots more than I thought I would! I'm of course long gone needing to be convinced that Marian can do no wrong, but a collection of 50+ of shorts is usually not my bag.

Anyway, before going into specifics (if there's going to be any specifics - don't know yet, depends on how this part is going). Just finishing sewing up a busted seam in my winter coat (since winter in Sweden decided to hold off for most of..., well, winter, and then go stir-cracy in March) I felt I needed to comment on one thing. Actually two things - Marian states somewhere in here that she'd like to read more on some topics, one being 'feminism' or 'gender equality', which she says she doesn't know very much about. This, along with a few passages, was an eye-opener for me. We're the same age (roughly) and I feel we have loads in common. But I did jump a bit, when she stated in "Ten Housework Laws for Men" that "If you're not going to do your own ironing, then be very careful about what clothes you buy..."! Where I come from, the only logical continuation of that sentence would have been ..."then you are going to be wearing wrinkled clothes". It's something very wrong with something, I think, when grown men cannot or will not perform the basics when it comes to themselves - and - usually with 'pride': "I do not cook/clean/wash/etc." That, to me, basically, is like saying "I'm effing useless, and proud of it." Having my mum for a visit after moving out on my own she asked me "When did you learn to iron?" and I said "When I needed to." (Never mind she could do the Royal Theatre's wardrobe in the time I do a "wrinkle-free" shirt good enough to be worn under a cardigan, it's the principle - either you are able, or you're...not.)

In other instances, we are tuned in to perfection - airplane travel, work, gardening, vacationing, Christmas, being a psycho magnet - I feel I could have written it if only I could write.

Prior to this book, I read "Brightest Star" and was a wee bit nervous on account of the mixed reviews (I know I shouldn't be, but you know...), but I was thrilled to find out that I liked it very much. I awarded it 4 stars and at the same time looked back over my reviews of MK, finding that all were 4 or 5. Not surprised and I said so in the review. This one started out very 3 star and I thought that this matters not of course because a) short-shorts only is not really my bag, b) no-one can keep a perfect score and c) no-one probably cares. I was thrilled to find the combined texts engrossing, funny, and compelling and being nowhere near the measly 3-star mark! 4 it is and further excursions under the duvet will be commenced shortly...

[Yrinsyde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gorgeous autobiography! Very sweet and funny. Actually, this book is a collection of magazine articles that Marian Keyes wrote about her experiences - in love, finding a place to live, a job, battling alcoholism. I laughed out loud and had tears in my eyes, and although some of her experiences were far from my everyday life, I felt touched.

This was the first book I read by her, and it took me to reading her novels. I've just bought her new one!

Marian Keyes - the 21st century woman's goddess!

[Danderma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Searching through the shelves at Waterstones I saw this book by Marian Keyes. I've read for Marian Keyes once before very recently, a book by the name "The Brightest Star in the Sky" and I set about buying more of her work. Luckily, I didn't only find a novel, I found a collection of articles previously published and unpublished all about the writer's life.

The woman is hilarious! I love her sense of humor and her wit. Her honesty in dealing with alcoholism, growing up, and weight loss. I could totally identify with some of her stories, especially the one about becoming the husband's finder of things, I actually sat my husband down and read him that part while shooting him daggers with my looks because apparently men are the same all over the planet. Plus, it seems we are not the only nation suffering in trying to celebrate Mother's Day, not everyone is happy about it it seems :p

I loved the book. I laughed out loud and kept laughing out loud while supposedly trying to sleep, jerking the poor husband awake from his slumber!

The book is a great read and I am more than glad to purchase the second book of its kind, "Further Under the Duvet". I'm only sorry it took me so long to realize its out there. Highly recommended.

[Redfox5 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good collection of articles written by Chick-lit queen Marian Keyes. Very relatable in places and guaranteed to make you chuckle.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of short funny autobiographical stories of which most of them have been previously published for the Irish Tatler. I absolutely love the author's sense of humor and found myself laughing out loud while reading. Here are a few of my favorites:

Fear and Loathing in Los Angeles - trip to California to discuss film adaption of one of her novels 

If It's Wednesday, It Must Be Hamburg - while on book tour in Germany and Austria promoting the German edition of Last Chance Saloon

Till Debt Us Do Part - her first year of marriage 

Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Throw Down Your Hairdryer! - the family trip to Prague for her brother's wedding 

Driving Along in My Automobile - learning to drive and obtaining a driver's license 

[Juli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Esperaba muchísimo más de este libro. UNA GRAN DECEPCIÓN

[Henrika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rakastan Marian Keyesin romaaneja, ja oli hauska lukea tällainen kokoelma tarinoita hänen omasta elämästään. Kepeitä, samaistuttavia ja hauskoja!

[Victoria Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of Marian Keyes, I was super excited for another book of hers. I have to say, this let me down. Not because it was bad, don't get me wrong; it just didn't have what I love about her.
I guess it wasn't what I was expecting. All of the small stories in there were articles from the magazine she used to write for. I didn't want articles; I wanted stories! They were all fun, on their own. But I like to have one story, that goes through the entire book. They weren't even organised in chronological order! I think that was kind of the point, but it could get a little confusing. They were written for someone who had read her articles for a long time. But, of course, this was the first time I had. She referenced things like "Himself", and didn't explain them for a long time. It bothered me, maybe more than it should have.
But if I'd read these as individual stories, instead of as one collection, I would've been pretty happy. You can see all of her characters in the way she writes. I completely understand why she loves her husband, and I related to so many of her stories. I was in fits of laughter with most of them. Just, frustrated at the same time.
Even though this was non-fiction, it still had every bit of Keyes creativity and unique writing style. I worship the ground she walks on, even if I was let down by this book. Personally, I think I'm going to stick to her fiction writing. But if you were looking for something short, or something to read over a few weeks (as in maybe an article a day), this would be perfect. I just wish I'd known that before I started...

[Beth Gordon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Many of these essays haven’t aged well over the 25ish years since publication. The author’s ethnocentricity/racism, gender stereotyping, and stereotyping in general prevented me from laughing at the parts I was supposed to laugh at.

I wanted more depth, and there are only 2-3 essays that show any kind of depth (there’s about 50 essays in total). That’s not a good ratio.

[Deirdre · Rating 1 out of 5]

horrible

[Marisol · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aunque los temas son superficiales, la escritora tiene estilo, lo cual es un gran logro en este tipo de historias ligeras y cómicas.

Si me proporciono entretenimiento, por lo que cumple con ese cometido, los artículos de la primera parte basados en la vida real de la escritora son buenos, pero son un poco repetitivos. Los relatos tipo cuentos de la segunda parte cumplen pero no llegan a ser memorables.

Si volvería a leer algo de esta escritora irlandesa.

[Nina]

Can legit ikke rate, det var bare en bok med masse innlegg i magasiner😭 Tortur å komme seg igjennom, siden det ikke var noe sammenheng og jeg ikke hadde noe form for forhold til forfatteren.
Tror boka er fra sånn 2010 når jeg ble med pappa i kiosken på hotellet i Kypros, som egt er gøy. Men boka var vond å komme seg igjennom

[Bhavya · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Hira Sulehri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed reading it
Simple yet fun to read

[sruthi srinivasan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that may not be spitting my drink out funny but it’s the kind of observational humour that has me reminiscing the early 2000s. As the introduction says you can just randomly read this one from any page and it’s still entertaining enough (basically, a great bathroom read)

[Ruby Jensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh Keyes how I love you dearly. Like so so dearly. Must read all her non fiction as I’ve read all her fiction. She’s brilliant she’s funny she’s clever she knows what’s up

LOVE

[GreekReaders · Rating 3 out of 5]

Κάποιες ιστορίες ήταν καλές, κάποιες όχι. Διηγήματα από πραγματικά γεγονότα της ζωής της συγγραφέως και να μην το είχα διαβάσει δε θα έχανα κάτι.

[Namitha Varma · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most hilarious set of articles I've read of late. I think I'm in love with Keyes. My kinda gal!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the 'Brightest Star in the Sky', I was curious to find out more about the author. Everything I read said that book was a departure from her typical style, and when I took out one of her other books from the library, it was so Chick-Lit I returned it without cracking the spine.

I wondered if something had happened to change her style. This book doesn't answer that question (it was published at the height of her chick-lit fame), but this series of essays was very funny, very Irish in style and a great light read.

With a lot of humor and grace, she describes her big family, her frustrations with her weight and alcohol abuse, dating and getting married in a way that you feel like you're speaking with an old friend. She's very warm and easy to relate to, and I really wanted to read more essays. Most of these pieces were previously published in The Tatler or the Irish Times, and they offered an interesting window into the life of a very popular novelist.

Maybe I'll pick up one of those chick-lit books again.

[Marie’s Book Boutique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my full review at mariesbookboutique.wordpress.com/2020...

Under The Duvet by Marian Keyes is a collection of her journalism, some which have been published and some which hasn't. This is the first type of book I've read like this and I was more than intrigued when I read the blurb; knowing I was in for a treat of a read!
In her articles she share's her experiences in a very comical way; some will have you cringing and laughing at the same time! Also there are some serious bit when Marian share's her personal struggles with alcoholism and other trials she has faced.
Marian has shared bit about herself giving readers a glimpse of the author behind her books. It's a book where you can read in which ever order you wish; which I did and it did feel a bit odd but was refreshing non the less. It's something different than what I normally read but I did enjoy and was nice to read something that's not my norm!

[Karschtl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I must say that I enjoy Keyes' novels a lot more than her columns. I just didn't find the little stories overly interesting or funny. Jen Lancaster does a way better job of recording everyday bits of life. But that's Lancaster 'normal' job, and Keyes' is to write novels.

However, it was revealing to read about the life she lead in her late teenage years and throughout her twenties. I wouldn't have thought it was that fucked up.

It is a nice read for the gym, which is were I read the book. There it's very good to read only small 'chapters', on the couch this wouldn't be the perfect book for me.

[Roudha A 240-521 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Under the duvet is an autobiography written by Marian Keyes who is known as the best-selling Irish author and her novels are read by millions around the world. This book consists of seven sections and each one includes different articles. At the beginning, I have a difficulty in understanding the author language but then I get used to it. The part that I found it hilarious was the essay in which she discusses the Irish people’s inability to give directions using street names or addresses. While the part I didn't like in this novel was her experience with alcoholism. I recommend this book to people who love to read non-fiction books.

[Kat · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first few stories were quite entertaining to read, but the whole book got boring rather quickly. The author's very quick to stereotype, see the chapter about her trips to Germany, Austria etc, it's not funny. I also didn't like the gender roles which were portrayed throughout the book... She likes or dislikes things because she's a woman, her husband likes or dislikes things because he's a man. Okay, if you think so...
And in the last chapter there was some kind of underlying racism that I just can't ignore.

[Matxalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

Simplemente me encanta la voz de esta autora y aunque no se trata de una novela sino de relatos y artículos, el resultado es inteligente, gracioso e interesante.

Un must para los seguidores de Marian ya que en éste llegamos a conocer a la verdadera autora un poco mas.

[reseña completa ya en el blog, aqui!]

[Lis · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a chore to plod through. Not in terms of reading difficulty, more boredom.
Whilst I appreciate that there may be a significant amount of poetic licence taken in the recounting of these tales (or at least I hope there has!), it hasn't necessarily made better writing.
Instead, the author and her associates come across as none too bright, and trying to read it in an Irish accent doesn't make it any funnier. Tedious.

[Ape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wrote the review on bookcrossing a few years later in 2006 and I wasn't writing much at that time!

This is most definately my favourite Marian Keyes book. I love short stories, and these are great little reads to dip into. I especially liked her guide to housecleaning for men, and these funny little insights into her married life.... several of which seem familiar and I'm not even married!

[Tamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars
It's a funny diary about Keyes's life until late 90s. Sometimes I was a little bored, lucky me all of them are short essays, magazine publications. And now I know where some background stories of her books came from.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to write like this. Her non-fiction a hundred times better than her fiction. An excellent judge of not saying too much. The story on her alcoholic journey the most plausible and honest I have ever read. Feel like comparing her to caitlin moran.

[Lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted something light to read, and this was definitely light, but maybe too shallow. There was occasional humor. I think the biggest problem is I didn't realize how old it was. Most of the stories were written between the years 1998-2000, so they felt really outdated.