Under the Duvet
Shoes, Reviews, Having the Blues, Builders, Babies, Families and Other Calamities
By Marian Keyes

     In this compilation of essays, Marian Keyes shares her humorous insights on subjects such as a writer's life, marriage, travel and Irishness. "Paperback Writher" is an absolute must-read for anyone who has ever considered being published. "Scarlet Pimpernel Construction" will strike a chord with readers who have dealt with home improvement contractors. Travelers will appreciate the chapter entitled "That's Me Away".

      Most of these essays will tickle your funny bone-the glaring exception being the poignant chapter on Ms. Keyes battle with the bottle-and all are refreshingly honest. The Irish dialect interspersed throughout adds charm and might just color readers' vocabularies; I intend to start using "eejit" immediately. Read it from cover to cover or scan the index for an article that appeals to the moment. Under the Duvet will leave you smiling and/or laughing aloud.

      I'm hooked; Ms Keyes is an Irish Erma Bombeck. Even though I'm not an Imelda, I can truly appreciate her endless battle to stem "the Jabba the Hutt tide." More, please?