In Marian Keyes' book "Under the Duvet," the author humorously recounts an encounter at a hotel where a man enthusiastically reacts to her collection of shoes. His joy at seeing her snakeskin sandals and other stylish footwear contrasts sharply with her dismay at his obliviousness. Keyes expresses a shared disappointment that many men fail to understand the emotional connection women have with their shoes, seeing them merely as objects rather than as a source of joy.

This playful reflection highlights the gender divide in perceptions of fashion. Keyes cleverly comments on the stereotype that women have a deeper appreciation for shoes, suggesting that men simply lack the understanding—or "shoe chromosome"—to grasp what makes them so special. The light-hearted tone in her writing effectively illustrates this societal difference while inviting readers to laugh along with her experience.