*****
Sushi for Beginners by Marian Keyes
(2003, Harper Collins)

I first read Sushi for Beginners when it came out in 2003. Indeed, it was with this book that I became hooked on ChickLit.  Marian Keyes, for those who don’t know, is an amazing writer.  She has personally battled alcoholism and depression, so when these issues come up in her books, the writing is so raw, you can’t help but get captured by the novel. 

But back to this review.  It is set mainly in Ireland and follows the launch of a new women’s magazine and the people who are involved with bringing the new magazine to life.  There are really two protagonists.  The new editor-in-chief sees the launch as a step-down in her career, and one of her editors, a mousy sort, is lucky to have landed the job.

Some of the references are old, such as butterfly clips in the hair, and the novelty of sushi.  Yet, take out those references, and it’s as if Marian wasn’t suffering from a severe case of depression right now, but instead had just churned this solid chick lit out.

What makes this book so good is the number of deep characters who are as flawed as everyday people.  No one is perfect.  And ChickLit fans will probably relate to at least a few of the characters.  The plot doesn’t develop as you might think, and that also keeps it engaging.

This is definitely a must read for ChickLit fans looking for an escape.  And if you read this back when it came out, you probably won’t remember all of the twists and turns --  I didn’t – so, it is worth a very relaxing, indulgent second read. 

Sushi for Beginners is the gold standard for the genre.