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The Anniversary: a page-turning summer read about family secrets and fresh starts Kindle Edition

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,909 ratings

Three couples. One weekend. Everything is about to change...

The Cunningham family are escaping to their holiday home by the sea for the long weekend, as they've done every summer for many years.

Except that now, parents Lily and Charlie are waiting for their divorce papers to come through -- and have their new partners in tow.

Their daughter Poll, there with her boyfriend, is determined to make known her feelings for Chloe, her father's new love.

Poll's brother Thomas also has feelings for Chloe -- of a very different nature . . .

And amid all the drama, everyone has forgotten that this weekend also happens to be Lily and Charlie's wedding anniversary.

Will any of the couples survive the weekend intact?

'Just about everything in this good-humoured book will keep you engrossed and in for a satisfying surprise at the end' Irish Independent

Product description

Review

A delightful read about relationships and the complexities associated with family life ... A cosy read for any time of the year, be it in your beach bag or sitting curled up in front of the fire.--Swirl and Thread on The Anniversary

Praise for Roisin Meaney--
:

This book is like chatting with a friend over a cup of tea - full of gossip and speculation, and all the things that make life interesting--
Irish Mail on Sunday

The Anniversary is an addictive read with engaging, flawed characters and a unique writing flair that pulls you into the plot from the very beginning and keeps you entranced to the very end--Books of All Kinds

If you like Maeve Binchy this will be a treat--
Stellar magazine

A cracking yarn ... Meaney can excavate the core of our human failings and present it to us, mirror-like, on the page ... Which makes her utterly credible, utterly authentic, utterly irresistible--
Irish Independent

A warm engaging read--
Woman's Way

Meaney weaves wonderful feel-good tales of a consistently high standard. And that standard rises with each book she writes--
Irish Examiner

Highly engaging and heartwarming ... I truly adored the book and devoured it within a few short hours--
Melissa Hill

It's easy to see why Roisin Meaney is one of Ireland's best-loved authors ... Should you spot this on a bookshelf, grab a copy--
Bleach House Library

A lovely and absorbing book by a novelist who has a gift for conveying the charm of the ordinary--
Irish Independent

The perfect example of an author at the pinnacle of her career--
Meath Chronicle on The Anniversary

Roisin Meaney has once again done herself proud and written a book that should feature on many people's reading lists for this summer ... Do yourselves a favour and buy this book.--
Shaz's Book Blog

A thoughtful engrossing read. Warm and insightful. Roisin Meaney is a skilful storyteller--
Sheila O'Flanagan on The Reunion

A real treat ... [Meaney's] ability to weave stories around a seemingly random cast is simply uncanny ... [she]wraps her readers in the company and comfort of ordinary strangers--
Sunday Independent

About the Author

Roisin Meaney was born in Listowel, Co Kerry, She has lived in the US, Canada, Africa and Europe but is now based in Limerick, Ireland. This Number One bestselling author is a consistent presence on the Irish bestseller list and she is the author of fifteen novels including three stand alone novels set in the fictional island off the west coast of Ireland: One Summer, After the Wedding and I'll Be Home for Christmas. Her other bestsellers include: The Last Week of May, The People Next Door, Half Seven on a Thursday, Love in the Making, The Things We Do For Love, Something in Common, Two Fridays in April, The Reunion, The Anniversary, The Restaurant and It's that Time of Year.

She has also written books for children. Connect with Roisin Meaney on
@roisinmeaney
www.roisinmeaney.com

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0765YM6XY
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hachette Books Ireland (28 Jun. 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1790 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 375 pages
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 1,909 ratings

About the author

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Roisin Meaney
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In 1977 Roisin Meaney finished a sentence and won a car. The sentence was 'I would like to win a Ford Fiesta because ...my father won't let me drive his.' Over the years that followed she wrote a lot more sentences and won a lot more prizes. In 2001 she finally decided to keep writing sentences until she filled a book, and in 2008, with three published novels under her belt, she gave up her teaching job to become a fulltime writer. Since 2001 she's written twenty-one adult novels and three children's books. Her work has been translated into German, Spanish, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, Italian, Russian, Polish and Slovenian. Two of her books have also been published in the US: Semi-Sweet (Irish title Love in the Making) and Life Drawing for Beginners (Irish title The Things We Do for Love), and several books have been distributed in Australia and New Zealand by Hachette Australia.

All of Roisin's novels have made it into the Irish bestseller list. Four of them, One Summer (2012), After the Wedding (2014), I'll Be Home for Christmas (2015) and The Birthday Party (2019) form a series; all are set on Roone, a small make-believe island (but strongly inspired by the very real Valentia Island) located off the west coast of Ireland.

Roisin was shortlisted in the 2022 Irish Book Awards in the Library Association of Ireland Author of the Year category. She is currently working on a novel that's earmarked for Spring 2025 publication. She lives in a West of Ireland cottage with three greedy cats. For more information follow her on Twitter or Bluesky.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,909 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging with a good story and unexpected twists that keep them turning the pages. They appreciate the shifting narrative and surprising ending. The themes are interesting, and the book has enough twists to keep readers hooked.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

21 customers mention ‘Readability’19 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it a relaxing and enjoyable read, with a well-written storyline and believable characters. The book is described as a good holiday read with nicely observed fauna.

"A very nostalgic and enjoyable read." Read more

"Thoroughly enjoyable read" Read more

"Have just finished this gem of a book. It all centres on one family over 1 very difficult weekend, staying together on what now is a holiday home...." Read more

"A good holiday book" Read more

8 customers mention ‘Twists’8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's twists and turns that keep them engaged. They appreciate the shifting narrative that gives readers insights into each character. The book explores interesting themes and has enough twists and turns to keep you turning the pages. Overall, customers find the book a nice escapism and immersion in an almost perfect world.

"...A surprising ending. Hope there might be a follow up book pretty please. Loved everything about it 5 stars from me." Read more

"...Enjoyed the opening, which any teacher could relate to, and the ending was satisfying - saying no more, read it and find out!..." Read more

"...The author has given us a family with issues, that keeps you engaged and guessing all the way through...." Read more

"The ending was a surprise! I enjoyed the book but in places found it a bit plodding...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Believable characters’3 positive0 negative

Customers like the believable characters in the book.

"...So many things are happening, I was swept away with the emotions of each believable character. A surprising ending...." Read more

"Great story, loved the shifting narrative giving reader an insight into each character and their view of events...." Read more

"...It is a lovely family story with totally believable characters. A very easy and relaxing read, ideal for settling down with on the beach...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 August 2024
    A very nostalgic and enjoyable read.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 August 2019
    Thoroughly enjoyable read
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2020
    Have just finished this gem of a book. It all centres on one family over 1 very difficult weekend, staying together on what now is a holiday home. So many things are happening, I was swept away with the emotions of each believable character. A surprising ending. Hope there might be a follow up book pretty please. Loved everything about it 5 stars from me.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 July 2024
    A good holiday book
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 June 2020
    Great story, loved the shifting narrative giving reader an insight into each character and their view of events. Enjoyed the opening, which any teacher could relate to, and the ending was satisfying - saying no more, read it and find out!
    Meaney captures the ordinary - and perhaps not so ordinary! - and beautifully conveys the enotional depth of those experiences.
    Looking forward to my next Meaney book already!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 September 2018
    I loved every one of Roisin's books and this is no different. I love the way she writes about individual people who have their own personalities that shine through. They are 3 dimensional. She is so good at this that you find yourself liking, loving or detesting them. Chloe, especially I found myself disliking.
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 March 2019
    This book is so much more than the cover suggests.

    The author has given us a family with issues, that keeps you engaged and guessing all the way through.

    Nice easy read, for a sunny spring day with a vino x

    I am not sure if Roisin Meaney is planning any follow up books on these characters but I really do hope so!
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 July 2018
    ‘Three couples.

    One weekend.

    Everything is about to change.’

    The Anniversary is the latest novel from Irish writer Roisin Meaney. Just released with Hachette Ireland, The Anniversary is already soaring up the Irish Book charts, as the demand for Roisin Meaney’s words continues. Roisin is a Number One bestselling author of fourteen novels, aswell as having written a number of children’s books.

    The Anniversary is described as ‘a spell-binding story about families, love and moving on’, with Roisin Meaney being described as ‘a master storyteller of complicated human relationships’

    I am rather ashamed to say that this is the first book by Roisin Meaney that I have read but it certainly will not be my last. We all need books in our lives that we can relax right into, where we are fully immersed in the lives of the characters, as though we are in the same room as them. Roisin Meaney writes with that very familiar relaxed style that is almost like coming home.

    The Anniversary is a tale about the complex world of families. Lily is recently engaged to Joe and following the passing of her mother, she decides to invite all her family for a gathering at her mother’s home, the place of Lily’s birth. But as is oft the case, these weekends away are never straight-forward. Lily’s family now extends to her ex-husband Charlie, his much younger partner Chloe and Lily’s fiance Joe. Also present will be her and Charlie’s daughter, Poll, with her boyfriend Aidan and Thomas, Poll’s brother (Lily and Charlie’s son). With a get-together of this nature one can expect fireworks and that is exactly what happens.

    Lily and Charlie had a good marriage and would have been thirty years married with their wedding anniversary approaching also on this weekend. Initially it was expected that Chloe could not make it, which really suited everyone, except Charlie, but the best laid plans can often become undone.

    Chloe is of similar age to Poll, Charlie’s daughter, and Poll has no desire to spend any time in her company. This has had an impact on what once a strong bond between father and daughter but Poll is unwilling to change her opinion. She recollects Chloe from her school days and finds this new relationship incomprehensible. Poll has additional issues of her own where she finds it very hard to commit in any personal relationships. Her grandmother understood Poll and she is hoping this trip back to the old place will help her sort out the confusing thoughts about herself and her partnership with Aidan.

    Thomas is a lost soul. Now working in a cafe, he has spent years trying to find himself. A lonely character, Thomas has gotten used to the notion of the single life. Thomas also struggles greatly with the relationship between his father and Chloe but for very different reasons.

    Lily has a reason for bringing everyone together under the one roof for this long weekend but will it prove to be a decision that she will live to regret? Is it possible for all members of her family to be civil and to survive a weekend away together?

    The Anniversary exposes the truth underlying many of the relationships in Lily’s family. As each individual struggles to deal with their own internal battles, issues bubble to the surface and harsh words are spoken. Lily is a strong person, a principal of a school, yet even Lily is faced with some very difficult choices to make that could have an impact on the family as a whole.

    Roisin Meaney introduces many topical issues onto the pages of The Anniversary as she raises the subjects of divorce, abortion, bullying, loneliness, ageing, violence and death. We witness a family falling apart a little at the seams as the fraying edges are exposed.

    There is a gentleness to the writing that carries the reader along in the ebb and flow of the dramas as they unfold. Human frailties are exposed as the veneers slip. As a reader you find yourself drawn to certain individuals, wanting to see them happy and hoping that life will be good to them over time.

    The Anniversary is a delightful read about relationships and the complexities associated with family life. It moves along at a gentle pace with heart warming descriptions and a gorgeous portrayal of the West coast of Ireland. A cosy read for anytime of the year, be it in your beach bag or sitting curled up in front of the fire.

    Charming. Warm. Inviting.

Top reviews from other countries

  • Martha
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Winner from Ms. Meaney!
    Reviewed in the United States on 16 July 2021
    From my favorite Irish author comes a wonderful story that weaves together the lives and flaws of memorable characters. Few can do it as well as Roisin Meaney, and The Anniversary is just so, so good.
  • Maggie
    1.0 out of 5 stars Pas lu
    Reviewed in France on 13 April 2019
    This book was sent to my kindle. I have not been able to read it as when I opened it, probably incorrectly, half the pages had already been read and so I clicked through the pages to get to the end and start again. Unfortunaltely it was marked as "read", and I am unable to read it from the beginning. Could you set it again for me please so that I may read the book? Thank you very much.
  • marie stevens
    4.0 out of 5 stars Definitely buy this lovely book.
    Reviewed in Australia on 17 July 2018
    Once again we have a book from
    a favourite author which appeals to our reading group aged from 45 to 75. Why? Gentle, beautifully written, sensitive and hopeful. Avid readers all, none wants to read of despair, violence, cruelty et cetera. I will never understand why Ms Meaney’s books are not on display in Australian bookshops. I have recommended this author to many friends and colleagues and each and every one has been delighted to “discover” Roisin Meaney.
  • JB
    4.0 out of 5 stars The anniversary
    Reviewed in the United States on 4 May 2019
    A delightful family saga with enough twists and turns to the plot to make it interesting and absorbing.An excellent holiday read
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful story
    Reviewed in the United States on 31 August 2018
    Absolutely loved this book which follows a family and other loved ones for a weekend. I did not want this story to end. Loved the characters and locales. Roisin Meany has an amazing gift of writing. Can't wait to start the next book as I have only recently discovered her.

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