Bestselling author Marian Keyes opened up about her journey to becoming a writer at the Hay Festival, revealing that she credits getting sober 30 years ago as the turning point in her career. Keyes, known for her humorous and relatable novels, shared with the audience how rehab helped her gain discipline and self-belief, essential qualities for a writer.
Despite growing up in a loving family, Keyes highlighted the challenges faced by Irish women, who were often discouraged from speaking up or pursuing their dreams. She emphasized the importance of storytelling in Irish culture, which shaped her upbringing and career as a writer.
Keyes’ latest book, “My Favourite Mistake,” continues to tackle dark subjects such as depression and addiction with her signature humor. The novel follows the story of a high-flying PR executive facing a mid-life crisis and dealing with perimenopause, offering a relatable and entertaining read for her fans.
While some critics may dismiss Keyes’ work as “forgettable froth,” she remains unapologetic about writing about relationships and family dynamics. Keyes challenges the perception that women’s writing is less meaningful than men’s, urging women to push back against internalized misogyny and continue telling their stories.
With her candid and witty approach to storytelling, Marian Keyes continues to captivate readers and challenge stereotypes in the literary world. Her latest book promises to be another engaging and thought-provoking read for fans of her work.
