This was the first book by Marian Keyes that I have read and I really enjoyed the experience. The novel deals with the difficult and painful topics of addiction, rehab and recovery, but Rachel is such an engaging character and Keyes such a skilful writer that you want to keep turning the pages. Despite the dark subject matter, there is also plenty of humour to be found in the novel, particularly in the depiction of the relationships between the various Walsh family members. The other residence of The Cloisters, the rehab centre in which Rachel finds herself, are also beautifully drawn and you find yourself sucked into their stories and rooting for them to succeed as well.

Whilst the book deals with serious issues such as drug addiction, I really did not like Rachel the main character, I found her shallow, self absorbed and irritating. She manage to redeem herself a little in the last few chapters, but found she irritated me for the bulk of the story. Whilst saying this I did feel sorry for Luke her boyfriend. I really wanted to enjoy this more than I did.

Without doubt my favourite Marian Keyes book, one that I've read over and over. Re-read this time to celebrate 25 years of Rachel - although this is unnerving since I can't possibly be that old...
I love the dark humour of the wonderful Walsh sisters ("weave me something nice" was a running joke with my friend and I whenever a therapy session was mentioned).
Rachel is also one of my go-to recovery recommendations. The honesty, accuracy and comedy in Rachel's struggles with addiction are so well written and relatable, and of course laugh out loud brilliant.
I don't think I'll ever stop being a little bit in love with this book.

Rachel’s Holiday is a funny and heartbreakingly sad story about addiction, loss and the bumpy journey to recovery. I totally engaged with the characters and the story. I can’t wait to read Again Rachel

A modern classic that I never tire of reading. I love Marian so much and have read every book of hers. Can't wait for more.

I am genuinely shook by this book. I didn’t think I’d like it so much.
This is a beautiful and raw tale of addiction, recovery, loss… it doesn’t sugarcoat and isn’t afraid to hurt.
Rachel is… the odd one out in the family, the “unloved”. She has so much to offer and is oblivious to it. Although I thought the start was a little slow, I found it pretty hard to put down my book once Rachel’s past started to unravel.
Thank you for this book. I will definitely be reading the sequel. And all the other books from this series!

First read over 20 years ago. Didn’t remember it all. Enjoyed it again, looking forward to the new one.

Marian Keyes never fails. Rachel's Holiday is as unputdownable as Keyes' other novels.

Rachel ends up in rehab, but she's not an addict, of course. She's only there to hobnob with the other celebrities, but where are they? Maybe in another wing?

Told through a combination of flashbacks and scenes from inside and outside of The Cloisters, Rachel's Holiday paints a searingly honest picture of what it is to be an addict, and the toll it takes on friends and family. Even if you're not an addict, you will still relate to Rachel's internal struggles with issues such as being good enough and not feeling seen. Packed full of Keyes' trademark humour, Rachel's Holiday is a wonderful story of loss and putting yourself back together again when you think you have nothing left.

Twenty-five years later and Marian still keeps us up to date on Rachel. I loved how such serious subjects are written with humour and the truth about mental health hospitals were included.
to be continued...

Darkly funny, insightful and poignant.

Living in New York, Rachel has developed an impressive drug habit, leading her family to whisk her back to Ireland for rehab. Rachel agrees expecting to brush shoulders with rock stars in between massage treatments and dips in the jacuzzi.

The reality is very different and eventually Rachel starts to accept that she does have a problem, but is she too late to win back her ex-boyfriend Luke

Rachel's holiday is the second book in the Walsh sister novels. The wit and humour of this book makes the dark and sometimes depressive subject matter that much easier to engage with. Rachel's stint in rehab and her encounters with some harsh realities about family, relationships, shame, self-harm, eating disorders & addiction are what kept me hooked until the end. Rachel's character faces some huge hurdles and her entrancing story makes it difficult not to love and accept her despite her flaws and faults.

Despite not being a usual reader of rom-com books, Marian's storytelling, humour and ability to tackle the heavier issues is something I will always enjoy. Huge thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for enabling me to read this book.

Can't believe I haven't read this sooner! A true Marian Keyes classic, funny, sensitive and human. I loved it.

It took me a while to get around to reading this book but I am glad that I did.

I requested it as I knew the new book was being released as a follow up.

Keyes covers some tough subjects as Rachel is admitted to 'The Cloisters' after nearing dying due to a drug overdose. It does flit back and forth in time filling out her life in New York with her friend Brigit and her boyfriend Luke.

Well worth reading and I will definitely read the follow up.

Lovely feel good book to read. It was a joy to read. Lovely characters. Great plot. The book was charming. Very well written. I’d definitely recommend this book

A raw honest story about Rachel, who was living in New York and then accidentally overdoses. Her family put her in rehab, and to her surprise, her friends agree. But Rachel is not a drug addict. Everyone needs a little fun, and something to help them through the day, and then the night. A perfect picture of the modern addict, semi functioning, but hurting cheating and lying to everyone around them, including themselves

I started this novel with high expectations but finished it feeling that it was just ok and it was not a “stand out” read. I wonder if 25 years ago, this would have been perceived as a light-hearted tale about addiction, but with improved understanding about such problems in this current time, the tale is far from funny. I didn’t dislike it, but I didn’t love it either so 3 stars from me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my review copy of this novel.

I should revisit books more often as I’d forgotten just how great a read this was. Marian Keyes has a wonderful knack of taking dark subjects and adding a touch of humour without loosing the overall impact.

It’s a book that’s as fresh and relevant today as it was when first published 25 years ago.

Looking forward to reading where Rachel’s journey has taken her next in Again, Rachel.
Highly recommend.

Thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the review copy.

I love all Marian Keyes books but this one just didn`t do it for me.
Rachael is an addict and her family send her into a rehab clinic, and the story goes from the rehab to New York repeatedly.
The story was too long for me and just couldn`t get on with the characters
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC and I`m leaving my review voluntarily

I persevered through this book but I actually didn’t like the main character at all. I felt the book talked about some pretty serious issues sensitively but I won’t be reaching for the sequel.

It was wonderful to revisit this old favourite ahead of the publication of Again, Rachel. It’s over twenty years since I first met Rachel and I re-read it with a fresh perspective. Marian has a wonderful way of capturing human nature, and I defy anyone not to fall in love with the splendid Mammy Walsh and her brood. Loves it!