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The Chancer
WINNER FOR COMEDY FICTION AT THE READERS FAVORITE BOOK AWARDS 2023
'Chance would be a fine thing. But The Chancer is the finest - and funniest thing of all' - Olaf Tyaransen, Journalist & Author.
He was born to be a star. Pity no one else thought so.
In 1989, in the west of Ireland, Donnie McNamara, tired of being a family disappointment, buys a one-way ticket to Tinseltown to pursue his ridiculed dreams of acting.
Abe Nelson, a fallen Hollywood legend, now wallows in LA dive bars.
Their worlds collide. Abe becomes a mentor for Donnie and is catapulted into Donnie's fantastical endeavour.
But will the journey to stardom end in red carpets or red faces?
'You'll smile, you'll gasp, and you'll laugh out loud. The Chancer is a rollercoaster ride of pure Irish gold. Graham's debut is pacy, punchy and a pure joy ' - Chris Harvey, STV
'Hilarious and heart-warming, The Chancer sparkles and pulls you in from the first page. A dazzling debut from Fiona Graham. I devoured it ' - Emma Heatherington, Best-selling author
'Fantastic book! Sharp, funny and extremely enjoyable' - Sean Maguire, Actor
'Funny, heartwarming, upbeat, and a touching endorsement of family, friendships, and the redeeming power of love and dreams ' - Reedsy Discovery
'Funny and touching. A must read for anyone looking for an amusing tale'
- Readers Favorite
' Outstanding! Full of heart and packed with humour' - Anita Stratton, Radio Broadcaster
'A raucous tale of a hunt for stardom with family at its heart ' - LoveReading
'I would encourage anyone to take a chance on Fiona Graham's debut novel, The Chancer' - Bestseller World
Selected for 'Indie Books We Love' by LoveReading
'Chance would be a fine thing. But The Chancer is the finest - and funniest thing of all' - Olaf Tyaransen, Journalist & Author.
He was born to be a star. Pity no one else thought so.
In 1989, in the west of Ireland, Donnie McNamara, tired of being a family disappointment, buys a one-way ticket to Tinseltown to pursue his ridiculed dreams of acting.
Abe Nelson, a fallen Hollywood legend, now wallows in LA dive bars.
Their worlds collide. Abe becomes a mentor for Donnie and is catapulted into Donnie's fantastical endeavour.
But will the journey to stardom end in red carpets or red faces?
'You'll smile, you'll gasp, and you'll laugh out loud. The Chancer is a rollercoaster ride of pure Irish gold. Graham's debut is pacy, punchy and a pure joy ' - Chris Harvey, STV
'Hilarious and heart-warming, The Chancer sparkles and pulls you in from the first page. A dazzling debut from Fiona Graham. I devoured it ' - Emma Heatherington, Best-selling author
'Fantastic book! Sharp, funny and extremely enjoyable' - Sean Maguire, Actor
'Funny, heartwarming, upbeat, and a touching endorsement of family, friendships, and the redeeming power of love and dreams ' - Reedsy Discovery
'Funny and touching. A must read for anyone looking for an amusing tale'
- Readers Favorite
' Outstanding! Full of heart and packed with humour' - Anita Stratton, Radio Broadcaster
'A raucous tale of a hunt for stardom with family at its heart ' - LoveReading
'I would encourage anyone to take a chance on Fiona Graham's debut novel, The Chancer' - Bestseller World
Selected for 'Indie Books We Love' by LoveReading
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2023
53 people are currently reading
7338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 16, 2023
I received a free ARC from Reedsy Discovery and you can find my original review on their site here. Authors and readers might want to check their website, as they offer recommendations, services, blog posts, and other interesting and useful content.
Donnie, born in a farming family in a small Irish village, has a dream. He’s always wanted to be an actor, but nobody in his family (apart from his younger sister) believes he can do it. When his uncle —who has lived in the US for years and everybody thinks has made a fortune— dies and leaves each member of the family a small amount of money, he decides to make his dream come true and flies to LA, under false pretenses. Once there, he is totally star-struck, falls in love with the city and its inhabitants, and throws himself head-first into any auditions he can get hold of, taking a chance at love as well. As luck would have it, he meets a true (but disgraced) movie star, Abe Nelson, and his spontaneity and naivete eventually win the old-timer over, getting him an opportunity in a million. But…
The first novel of Fiona Graham is a true delight. It is a story of an innocent abroad, and Donnie, the protagonist, is a great creation because, despite his continuous misjudging of situations, faux pas, lack of filter, and limited insight, he is not a total joke but someone genuine, with a huge heart whom readers feel (and fall) for. He loves his family, he feels terrible for lying to them, and when things get tough, he puts the needs and interests of others before his own. There are plenty of comedic situations, from pure slapstick to those caused by the cultural gap (between a naïve country bumpkin from the other side of the Atlantic and the big movie industry types he meets in LA), but there are also moments of reflection and scenes that delve into the nature and importance of family relationships, friendships, loyalty, and what really matters in life. This is Donnie’s story, first and foremost, but the book is narrated in the third person from an omniscient point of view. Readers need not be worried, though, because that does not create a head-hopping effect, allowing them instead to be a step ahead of the protagonist and learn how he comes across to others, and what the motivations of the other characters (and there is a full catalogue of them, all colourful and engaging) might be, enhancing the story and giving it a more choral feel. Appropriately, the writing style has a cinematic feel to it, is very dynamic, not slowed down by lengthy descriptions, full of memorable scenes, peppered with colourful Irish expressions and idioms, and it would make a wonderful adaptation either to the big or the small screen.
This feel-good novel is perfect for anybody looking for a pick-me-up read, especially those with a fondness for Irish subjects and settings, and with an interest in the world of acting and Hollywood in the 1980s. It is funny, sweet, heart-warming, upbeat, and a touching endorsement of family (both true and found), friendship, and the redeeming power of love, self-confidence, and dreams. A very self-assured first novel, from an author readers will be eager to keep hearing about.
Donnie, born in a farming family in a small Irish village, has a dream. He’s always wanted to be an actor, but nobody in his family (apart from his younger sister) believes he can do it. When his uncle —who has lived in the US for years and everybody thinks has made a fortune— dies and leaves each member of the family a small amount of money, he decides to make his dream come true and flies to LA, under false pretenses. Once there, he is totally star-struck, falls in love with the city and its inhabitants, and throws himself head-first into any auditions he can get hold of, taking a chance at love as well. As luck would have it, he meets a true (but disgraced) movie star, Abe Nelson, and his spontaneity and naivete eventually win the old-timer over, getting him an opportunity in a million. But…
The first novel of Fiona Graham is a true delight. It is a story of an innocent abroad, and Donnie, the protagonist, is a great creation because, despite his continuous misjudging of situations, faux pas, lack of filter, and limited insight, he is not a total joke but someone genuine, with a huge heart whom readers feel (and fall) for. He loves his family, he feels terrible for lying to them, and when things get tough, he puts the needs and interests of others before his own. There are plenty of comedic situations, from pure slapstick to those caused by the cultural gap (between a naïve country bumpkin from the other side of the Atlantic and the big movie industry types he meets in LA), but there are also moments of reflection and scenes that delve into the nature and importance of family relationships, friendships, loyalty, and what really matters in life. This is Donnie’s story, first and foremost, but the book is narrated in the third person from an omniscient point of view. Readers need not be worried, though, because that does not create a head-hopping effect, allowing them instead to be a step ahead of the protagonist and learn how he comes across to others, and what the motivations of the other characters (and there is a full catalogue of them, all colourful and engaging) might be, enhancing the story and giving it a more choral feel. Appropriately, the writing style has a cinematic feel to it, is very dynamic, not slowed down by lengthy descriptions, full of memorable scenes, peppered with colourful Irish expressions and idioms, and it would make a wonderful adaptation either to the big or the small screen.
This feel-good novel is perfect for anybody looking for a pick-me-up read, especially those with a fondness for Irish subjects and settings, and with an interest in the world of acting and Hollywood in the 1980s. It is funny, sweet, heart-warming, upbeat, and a touching endorsement of family (both true and found), friendship, and the redeeming power of love, self-confidence, and dreams. A very self-assured first novel, from an author readers will be eager to keep hearing about.
May 11, 2023
This book was an absolute delight. A quick and comforting read.
It's very clear that Fiona Graham has a background in writing films: for one thing, she paints a funny insider's picture of the movie business both from the perspective of washed-up star turned reluctant mentor Abe, and star-struck but bumbling Donnie. For another, she does an incredible job of setting each scene, going from Hollywood dive bar to small Irish village authentically. And the characters are so well fleshed out strictly through their dialogue and action, no narrative hints required.
A few of the clever bits from the book, which are to me representative of the tone as a whole:
“He was far from ugly, but he had a clumsy face, as if God had been in a bit of a hurry when he put it together”
“For the town’s locals, it was simply home, but for Donnie McNamara, Bellvara felt like a hand-me-down coat he would rather not be wearing”
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC
It's very clear that Fiona Graham has a background in writing films: for one thing, she paints a funny insider's picture of the movie business both from the perspective of washed-up star turned reluctant mentor Abe, and star-struck but bumbling Donnie. For another, she does an incredible job of setting each scene, going from Hollywood dive bar to small Irish village authentically. And the characters are so well fleshed out strictly through their dialogue and action, no narrative hints required.
A few of the clever bits from the book, which are to me representative of the tone as a whole:
“He was far from ugly, but he had a clumsy face, as if God had been in a bit of a hurry when he put it together”
“For the town’s locals, it was simply home, but for Donnie McNamara, Bellvara felt like a hand-me-down coat he would rather not be wearing”
Thank you to #NetGalley for the ARC
October 18, 2023
A fun lighthearted romp. I found the author‘a writing to be really engaging. You can tell that Fiona Graham works in the film industry—the writing is cinematic. Her insight into the industry brings an added layer of depth to the story.
June 11, 2023
Fiona Graham’s debut novel, "The Chancer," is a seemingly fun and easy read. However, there is a lot simmering under the surface. The story explores the fragile relationship between living an authentic life and fully abandoning oneself to a dream.
Somewhere on a crisp green field in Ireland, Donnie McNamara daydreams about joining the starry Hollywood sky. Despite having few opportunities to explore and hone his acting skills, he is determined to make it. However, his aspirations of becoming a famous actor are ridiculed by family and friends.
Just as Donnie’s hope starts dwindling, an unexpected gift from a dear friend and mentor lights the way. Tired of being a disappointment to his parents, who would have liked their son to follow his farming heritage, Donnie books a ticket to Los Angeles. His chosen path is windy and filled with countless obstacles, many of which are laid by Donnie himself, perhaps as an unconscious act of self-sabotage; or just simple recklessness.
Once in Los Angeles, Donnie’s path becomes intertwined with Abe Nelson, a fallen Hollywood star who gracelessly crashed from stardom. While an unlikely duo, the two seem to complete each other and become better versions of themselves.
Donnie’s quirkiness leaves many perplexed, but it awakens a lost sense of authenticity in a select few. His erratic behavior and uninvited honesty lead to rejection both in his professional and personal life. At the same time, Donnie lives a duplicitous existence that looms over his daydream and fragile happiness.
Fiona Graham constructs an intriguing plot that draws the reader into Donnie’s frantic fight to reach what might just as well be a mirage. On a backdrop of humor, she paints a neon bright picture of the ugly side of beautiful. While fame and popularity have a magnetic allure, these could be inherently dangerous. Falling from a great height can shatter one’s will to live. So, is it even worth trying to climb to the top?
I would encourage anyone to take a chance on Fiona Graham’s debut novel, "The Chancer," to find out Donnie’s answer. This fictional story will likely ring true to many, as readers may easily spot a glimpse of themselves in the recklessly foolish dreamer.
Somewhere on a crisp green field in Ireland, Donnie McNamara daydreams about joining the starry Hollywood sky. Despite having few opportunities to explore and hone his acting skills, he is determined to make it. However, his aspirations of becoming a famous actor are ridiculed by family and friends.
Just as Donnie’s hope starts dwindling, an unexpected gift from a dear friend and mentor lights the way. Tired of being a disappointment to his parents, who would have liked their son to follow his farming heritage, Donnie books a ticket to Los Angeles. His chosen path is windy and filled with countless obstacles, many of which are laid by Donnie himself, perhaps as an unconscious act of self-sabotage; or just simple recklessness.
Once in Los Angeles, Donnie’s path becomes intertwined with Abe Nelson, a fallen Hollywood star who gracelessly crashed from stardom. While an unlikely duo, the two seem to complete each other and become better versions of themselves.
Donnie’s quirkiness leaves many perplexed, but it awakens a lost sense of authenticity in a select few. His erratic behavior and uninvited honesty lead to rejection both in his professional and personal life. At the same time, Donnie lives a duplicitous existence that looms over his daydream and fragile happiness.
Fiona Graham constructs an intriguing plot that draws the reader into Donnie’s frantic fight to reach what might just as well be a mirage. On a backdrop of humor, she paints a neon bright picture of the ugly side of beautiful. While fame and popularity have a magnetic allure, these could be inherently dangerous. Falling from a great height can shatter one’s will to live. So, is it even worth trying to climb to the top?
I would encourage anyone to take a chance on Fiona Graham’s debut novel, "The Chancer," to find out Donnie’s answer. This fictional story will likely ring true to many, as readers may easily spot a glimpse of themselves in the recklessly foolish dreamer.
June 2, 2023
I adored this novel. It was like watching “The Very Best Marigold Hotel, where you grin the entire way through because the characters are so nutty and likable?
It had so much awkward, hilarious charm. I screamed at the screen (mostly at poor Donnie’s awkward fumblings and innate charism, kindness, and wit), I smacked my forehead, I laughed so hard I cried, and then I cried genuinely happy tears.
I loved the character of Donnie, who no one can quite decide whether he is a bit touched or just different but who most like anyway. Is he a chancer or a charmer? I loved that even when no one else believed in Donnie, he believed in himself with just enough absence of self-awareness to be brave enough to put himself out there.
I loved the redemption story for Abe and I love Melanie’s character. Everyone had unique and developed backstories that helped advance the plot in an engaging way.
I want this novel turned into a movie! It would be perfect! Barry Keogh as Donnie, and John and Joan Cusack as Abe and Melanie.
I had two minor points of constructive criticism. The first is that Francis felt much more one dimensional as the villian compared to many of the other characters but I did love to hate him, so this is a minor point. The second bothered me enough to take me out of the book a few times. Some of the dialogue and thoughts attributed to the American and Canadian characters used slang not commonly used here. Having someone from the U.S. or Canada edit for North American english-language slang would be helpful.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sonny and Skye Productions for the opportunity to read this fabulous debut novel in exchange for an honest review!
It had so much awkward, hilarious charm. I screamed at the screen (mostly at poor Donnie’s awkward fumblings and innate charism, kindness, and wit), I smacked my forehead, I laughed so hard I cried, and then I cried genuinely happy tears.
I loved the character of Donnie, who no one can quite decide whether he is a bit touched or just different but who most like anyway. Is he a chancer or a charmer? I loved that even when no one else believed in Donnie, he believed in himself with just enough absence of self-awareness to be brave enough to put himself out there.
I loved the redemption story for Abe and I love Melanie’s character. Everyone had unique and developed backstories that helped advance the plot in an engaging way.
I want this novel turned into a movie! It would be perfect! Barry Keogh as Donnie, and John and Joan Cusack as Abe and Melanie.
I had two minor points of constructive criticism. The first is that Francis felt much more one dimensional as the villian compared to many of the other characters but I did love to hate him, so this is a minor point. The second bothered me enough to take me out of the book a few times. Some of the dialogue and thoughts attributed to the American and Canadian characters used slang not commonly used here. Having someone from the U.S. or Canada edit for North American english-language slang would be helpful.
Thanks to Netgalley and Sonny and Skye Productions for the opportunity to read this fabulous debut novel in exchange for an honest review!
November 23, 2025
This is a fun book, great for vacation reading when you just want to relax and enjoy the story. Donnie, the very ordinary young son of a small-town Irish farmer, has always dreamed of becoming a movie star, but his family will have none of it. Donnie will stay in their remote Irish village and work the family farm. Period. When Donnie receives a small bequest from his uncle, he sees his chance to run off to follow his dream. He takes off for L.A., telling his family he is following up on a business opportunity in the technology field, a line of endeavor about which he knows next to nothing. When his arch enemy/ brother-in-law, Francis, shows up in L.A. asking questions and trying to horn in on Donnie's supposed lucrative business opportunity, Donnie enlists his new friend, washed up actor Abe, to play the role of his business partner in order to keep up the charade and keep Francis from telling his family what he's really doing in L.A. Meanwhile, Donnie blunders through a series of auditions -- again, an area of activity about which he knows next to nothing -- amazing the show biz pros with a variety of bizarre attempts to impress them. Will Donnie stumble into the show biz opportunity of his dreams, or will he end up back in Ireland with pie on his face? Whatever the outcome, you can be sure that the path by which Donnie reaches it will involve much hilarity. This is a book that one reads for fun, not for deep insights -- perfect to take your mind off the troubles that surround you in the real world. For that purpose, I highly recommend it.
June 2, 2023
I adored this novel. It had so much awkward, hilarious charm. I screamed at the screen (mostly at poor Donnie’s awkward fumblings and innate charism, kindness, wit), I smacked my forehead, I laughed so hard I cried, and then I cried genuinely happy tears.
I loved the character of Donnie, who no one can quite tell whether he is a bit touched or just different but who most like. I loved that even when no one else believed in Donnie, he believed in himself with just enough absence of self-awareness to be brave enough to put himself out there.
I loved the redemption story for Abe and I love Melanie’s character. Everyone had unique and developed backstories that helped advance the plot in an engaging way.
I want this novel turned into a movie! It would be perfect! Barry Keogh as Donnie, and John and Joan Cusack as Abe and Melanie.
I had two minor points of constructive criticism. The first is that Francis felt much more one dimensional as the villian compared to many of the other characters but I did love to hate him, so this is a minor point. The second bothered me enough to take me out of the book a few times. Some of the dialogue and thoughts attributed to the American and Canadian characters used slang not commonly used here. Having someone from the U.S. or Canada edit for North American english-language slang would be helpful.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this fabulous debut novel!
I loved the character of Donnie, who no one can quite tell whether he is a bit touched or just different but who most like. I loved that even when no one else believed in Donnie, he believed in himself with just enough absence of self-awareness to be brave enough to put himself out there.
I loved the redemption story for Abe and I love Melanie’s character. Everyone had unique and developed backstories that helped advance the plot in an engaging way.
I want this novel turned into a movie! It would be perfect! Barry Keogh as Donnie, and John and Joan Cusack as Abe and Melanie.
I had two minor points of constructive criticism. The first is that Francis felt much more one dimensional as the villian compared to many of the other characters but I did love to hate him, so this is a minor point. The second bothered me enough to take me out of the book a few times. Some of the dialogue and thoughts attributed to the American and Canadian characters used slang not commonly used here. Having someone from the U.S. or Canada edit for North American english-language slang would be helpful.
Thanks for the opportunity to read this fabulous debut novel!
June 12, 2023
Right from the start of the story there is something charmingly different about Donnie McNamara and this eccentricity continues throughout the whole of this quirky story which follows Donnie from his provincial life in the west of Ireland, to his departure, in 1989, with a one-way ticket for America. There Donnie hopes to pursue his dream of becoming an actor and his meeting with Abe Nelson, a Hollywood legend now on the downhill slope, opens up a world of change for both of these rather odd characters.
There is much to enjoy in the story and the author has used her screen writing skills to the best advantage as time, place and people come alive quite strongly in the imagination. Of course there are stumbling blocks along the way and there's a definite someone who doesn't want to see Donnie succeed however, all these add an extra dimension as we watch as Donnie blithely negotiates this very different world to the one he has left behind in rural Ireland.
Nicely written and filled with humour, Donnie's quest for stardom is never without its funny moments however, there is also a deeper message about the importance of following your dreams.
There is much to enjoy in the story and the author has used her screen writing skills to the best advantage as time, place and people come alive quite strongly in the imagination. Of course there are stumbling blocks along the way and there's a definite someone who doesn't want to see Donnie succeed however, all these add an extra dimension as we watch as Donnie blithely negotiates this very different world to the one he has left behind in rural Ireland.
Nicely written and filled with humour, Donnie's quest for stardom is never without its funny moments however, there is also a deeper message about the importance of following your dreams.
October 8, 2023
A pleasurable, zany Irish romp to LA and back. Donnie MacNamara does NOT want to work on the family farm because he has BIG dreams to be an actor and make it in Hollywood. The trouble is his family do not think he is capable of doing anything and his father in particular will not hear of such nonsense.
What results is a series of lies, hilarious mishaps and an interesting friendship with Abe Nelson, a former star, now mostly a drink addled recluse. The story is uplifting and ridiculous (but in a good, enjoyable, turn the page way), delivering a satisfying outcome where the truly bad egg, Francis, is run out of town, and Donnie finds love and happiness in his home town. The ending is upbeat and full of possibility for Donnie to maybe, just maybe realise his acting ambition and star alongside his stateside friend in a new George Lawless film. Or is that just wishful thinking?
Light hearted, joyful and a jolly good read. Take a chance on the Chancer, it's a safe bet!
What results is a series of lies, hilarious mishaps and an interesting friendship with Abe Nelson, a former star, now mostly a drink addled recluse. The story is uplifting and ridiculous (but in a good, enjoyable, turn the page way), delivering a satisfying outcome where the truly bad egg, Francis, is run out of town, and Donnie finds love and happiness in his home town. The ending is upbeat and full of possibility for Donnie to maybe, just maybe realise his acting ambition and star alongside his stateside friend in a new George Lawless film. Or is that just wishful thinking?
Light hearted, joyful and a jolly good read. Take a chance on the Chancer, it's a safe bet!
October 14, 2023
This is a funny book. I smiled throughout, and laughed out loud in places.
Donnie Macnamara has big dreams of Hollywood but lives on a farm in rural Ireland in 1989. His nemesis beat him to a starring role in the primary Nativity, setting Donnie on a path to becoming a star. There’s something a bit quirky about him, he has immense amounts of self-belief/naïveté but limited (to say the least) acting experience.
Due to a bit of luck, he does make it to Hollywood, where he befriends a washed up alcoholic actor, who might be the key to success. There’s a sub-plot involving his primary school nemesis, which is tied up very satisfactorily and a bit of a love story, which is very sweet.
This is a book with real heart, which I very much enjoyed.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
Donnie Macnamara has big dreams of Hollywood but lives on a farm in rural Ireland in 1989. His nemesis beat him to a starring role in the primary Nativity, setting Donnie on a path to becoming a star. There’s something a bit quirky about him, he has immense amounts of self-belief/naïveté but limited (to say the least) acting experience.
Due to a bit of luck, he does make it to Hollywood, where he befriends a washed up alcoholic actor, who might be the key to success. There’s a sub-plot involving his primary school nemesis, which is tied up very satisfactorily and a bit of a love story, which is very sweet.
This is a book with real heart, which I very much enjoyed.
Read with The Pigeonhole.
May 10, 2023
This book was always going to be a little bit more special for me; my husband grew up in the Irish village where Fiona now lives and the start of the book really captures the spirit of rural Ireland.
I was really looking forward to reading it and was delighted to get an early copy.
I loved everything about this book and raced through it. It’s beautifully written, has unique and interesting characters and a delicious dark humour.
It’s a fabulous read and one that I’d recommend to anyone. This book is easy, engaging and will definitely stick with me for a long time. It’s definitely worthy of a big fat 5 stars!
I was really looking forward to reading it and was delighted to get an early copy.
I loved everything about this book and raced through it. It’s beautifully written, has unique and interesting characters and a delicious dark humour.
It’s a fabulous read and one that I’d recommend to anyone. This book is easy, engaging and will definitely stick with me for a long time. It’s definitely worthy of a big fat 5 stars!
May 12, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel..I was drawn in from the start wondering what had happened to put the main character, Donnie McNamara, into such a fix…well written , funny, entertaining and heartwarming, but also slightly heartbreaking at the same time in the authors understanding and portrayal of the hidden tensions and expectations of small town rural Ireland. An excellent debut novel by this talented author, one of many more to come hopefully, and one which would lend itself brilliantly to the big screen. It’ll put a smile on your face and leave you with a longing for the next instalment in the endearing Donnie McNamaras life!!
May 17, 2023
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
When Donnie McNamara has had enough working on his family farm, he concocts a plan to travel to LA to live out his dream of being an actor. Though his family does not agree with his dreams so he must travel under false circumstances. Loved following Donnie's perspective, learning about his small town, misconceptions of the towns people and his families dynasty. Once Donnie got to LA, he was so genuine and naïve, at times causing him to lose auditions. One factor that will make you angry throughout the read is Francis. You can tell he is bad news from the start!
When Donnie McNamara has had enough working on his family farm, he concocts a plan to travel to LA to live out his dream of being an actor. Though his family does not agree with his dreams so he must travel under false circumstances. Loved following Donnie's perspective, learning about his small town, misconceptions of the towns people and his families dynasty. Once Donnie got to LA, he was so genuine and naïve, at times causing him to lose auditions. One factor that will make you angry throughout the read is Francis. You can tell he is bad news from the start!
October 8, 2023
What a wonderful, uplifting story! Funny, sad, hopeful! In a word: Great! I was expecting a few more chapters as I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole, where it was advertised as such, so I was surprised when it ended abruptly. I would, however, read a sequel if one came out based on the way this ended. Several readers, myself included, thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining story about Donnie from a farm in Ireland following his dream of becoming a Hollywood star.
Very funny, also sad and yet still uplifting, the writing in this book is on point, and many descriptions were priceless. 5 🌟
Very funny, also sad and yet still uplifting, the writing in this book is on point, and many descriptions were priceless. 5 🌟
October 9, 2023
I loved this book! There are some fabulous characters, led by Donnie, from a small Irish town where it seems everyone knows everyone else, and it's the town Donnie wants to escape from to achieve his dream of becoming an actor. The story is populated by a wonderful assortment of fascinating people, but I was rooting for Donnie, even while sometimes cheering him on, sometimes laughing at what I was reading, and sometimes slightly cringing as the Chancer chanced his luck! I'd love to find out "what Donnie did next" so I'm hoping there's going to be a sequel!
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this 5* novel (and to Fiona Graham for writing it!)
Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this 5* novel (and to Fiona Graham for writing it!)
May 5, 2023
This is a fun, quick read and a really lovely debut novel. Donnie is unrelentingly optimistic and fun to follow around. If you'd enjoy reading about a hopeful Irish character blundering their way through Hollywood in the 80s/90s this is the one for you. Donnie is from a small Irish town and after a surprise inheritance decides to chase his dreams of being an actor and brings his positive energy and unintentional manifesting to LA. This is silly, hopeful, and surprisingly sweet.
October 8, 2023
Donnie MacNamara lives in 1980s Ireland. He wants to be an actor, his family want him to work on the farm.
He thinks he can make it, no-one else does.
He sets off for Tinseltown and, on the way, meets Abe Nelson, a disgraced actor, who takes him under his wing, against his better judgement.
The story is sad, funny and altogether joyful. Loved it, especially for showing the many facets of the human psyche.
#Pigeonhole
He thinks he can make it, no-one else does.
He sets off for Tinseltown and, on the way, meets Abe Nelson, a disgraced actor, who takes him under his wing, against his better judgement.
The story is sad, funny and altogether joyful. Loved it, especially for showing the many facets of the human psyche.
#Pigeonhole
May 10, 2023
This book is fabulous. It has an amazing sense of humour that will make you laugh your heart out. It's a great read that you could read anywhere, from your home to a train. You will never want it to end. I can't wait to see where this story takes us. Hopefully we will get a second one soon. I'm hoping that this would be made into a movie.
October 8, 2023
What a thoroughly enjoyable read this has been. Funny and sad at the same time and with a main character who has his flaws but is immensely likeable. Fingers crossed that there will be a sequel as I would love to know what happens next for Donnie. Thanks to the Pigeonhole and the author for the opportunity of reading this book.
October 9, 2023
4.5⭐️ Would have been an easy 5 but the ending was inconclusive and left more questions than answers.
I read this through Pigeonhole. A lovely tale of Donnie, who wants to be an actor. Francis, his nemesis since school. Abe, a disgraced actor, Summer and Roisin add the love interest and Donnie’s whole disfuncional family.
If there’s a sequel I’d definitely read it.
I read this through Pigeonhole. A lovely tale of Donnie, who wants to be an actor. Francis, his nemesis since school. Abe, a disgraced actor, Summer and Roisin add the love interest and Donnie’s whole disfuncional family.
If there’s a sequel I’d definitely read it.
May 5, 2023
This book is amazing. It’s hilarious and unique. I love the way you get to know the characters and feel their emotions as well. I went on an emotional rollercoaster, from laughs to anger, reading this gem. I highly recommend this if you just want to sit back, relax and feel at home.
May 17, 2023
Funny, entertaining, well written. A delightful novel that I thoroughly enjoed.
Excellent storytelling and character development.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
Excellent storytelling and character development.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine
October 9, 2023
4.5 ⭐ rounded up to 5. A warm hug - or cwtch, as we say in Wales - of a book. Loved the humour and the characters. Thanks to Fiona Graham and Pigeonhole, for giving me the opportunity to read, The Chancer. I look forward to the sequel.
October 10, 2023
Donnie believes that he can become a movie star, just by going to Hollywood. His naivety is endearing, as we accompany him on his adventures. Good will out in the end. A truly uplifting tale. I hope there will be a sequel.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the chance to read.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for the chance to read.
July 31, 2023
Loved reading this book! Highly recommend.
September 25, 2023
Such a wholesome and funny book! You can’t help but root for Donnie.
October 9, 2023
This was really funny and I'd love there to be a sequel. Wide eyed and innocent Donnie has his dreams crushed at every turn but maybe he could be the next Tom Cruise why not.
August 22, 2024
Brilliant read , couldn't put it down .
When is the next book ???
When is the next book ???
June 18, 2023
The Chancer is a charming story about Donnie McNamara, whose passion and dream are acting. Unfortunately, his family, mainly his dad, aren’t supportive. His dad wants him to grow up and stay in the small Irish village where his family owns a farm.
Donnie leaves for Hollywood, under a colossal lie, after an inheritance from an Uncle.
It’s a heartwarming story about following your passions, forgiveness, and authenticity.
Thank you, @netgalley, for the ebook.
Donnie leaves for Hollywood, under a colossal lie, after an inheritance from an Uncle.
It’s a heartwarming story about following your passions, forgiveness, and authenticity.
Thank you, @netgalley, for the ebook.
January 24, 2024
2,75 ⭐
muy divertido!!! es el debut de la autora y sin duda estaré leyendo más cosas suyas porque me ha gustado bastante su forma de escribir. me he quedado con ganas de más después de leer ese final, ojalá su próxima novela sea una continuación para saber cómo se resuelve todo
☆ thanks to fiona graham, cameron publicity & marketing ltd, and netgalley for the arc ☆
muy divertido!!! es el debut de la autora y sin duda estaré leyendo más cosas suyas porque me ha gustado bastante su forma de escribir. me he quedado con ganas de más después de leer ese final, ojalá su próxima novela sea una continuación para saber cómo se resuelve todo
☆ thanks to fiona graham, cameron publicity & marketing ltd, and netgalley for the arc ☆
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