Book Review: The Break
Hugh is taking a break, but he may not find Amy waiting when he gets back.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2018/01/the-break_96322.jpg)
Author: Marian Keyes
Reviewed by: Samantha Keogh
Review made possible by: Penguin Random House South Africa
Amy’s husband Hugh says he isn’t leaving her, he’s just taking a break – from her, their children and their life.
He simply wants six months in which to lose, or maybe find, himself in south-east Asia and then he’ll be back.
By the time he breaks the news to Amy the arrangements have all be made and there is nothing she can say or do to prevent life as she knows it careening off the rails.
It’s enough to leave her and those closest to her teetering at the edge, until Amy takes her life into her own hands and finds she doesn’t really need Hugh – a reaction he certainly doesn’t anticipate when he arrives home 10 weeks early expecting to simply move back into his previous life.
Will she take him back into her heart and home is the question which runs through the book, with the answer being something of a disappointment to me.
This is a fun read, but it lacks the brilliant humour readers have come to expect from Keyes based on her collection of books about quirky Irish families.
I usually love her work and have trouble putting her books down once I have started them, but this one took a little more dedication to finish.
Although Keyes maintains her excellent writing style, there’s just something missing.
However, if you are a fan, this is still a must-have to add to your bookshelf or e-reader.