From former sporting star Liam to safe and steady Cara with the young frustrated Ferdia thrown in for good measure. As a result of this they are dealing with issues such as how to keep a marriage going after ten years while lust, work, and children are constantly vying for attention. Grown Ups is about the most mature cast that Keyes has created yet with most of the key characters being in their 40s, and it is only through them that we are introduced to the younger members of the family.

This is a cast of early middle aged characters and their families and they weave through life’s joys and pains until they all come together at the dinner party to end all dinner parties. Over time relationships mature and develop, with some growing closer and others splintering like firewood. It gradually becomes clear though that all is not so smooth. They visit the finest hotels, go to boutique festivals, and drink the best wine. The extended family always get together for important calendar dates, all of it organised by Jessie who with her own successful business has the cash to splash and she wants to spend it on bringing the family together. That is until sweet, homely Cara suddenly starts spilling secrets to life altering effect.Īfter the prologue we find the Casey’s 6 months earlier, spending Easter in Kerry.

All families operate on a system of withholding and blurring information and the Casey’s’ are no different. And frankly he would rather be somewhere else. The oldest of the three Casey brothers, all talented and good looking with impressive wives, he is turning 49 and powerhouse wife Jessie is throwing him a birthday party – whether he wants one or not. If you groan inwardly at the very thought of a family dinner party then you are on the same page as Johnny Casey.

Grown Ups by Marian Keyes