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The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire
—‘Exquisitely plotted and sensitively written' - Áine Toner, BELFAST TELEGRAPH
—‘A stunning page-turner' - Nicola Bardon, THE SUN
—'His finest work of fiction, well worth reading' - Anne Cunningham, THE MEATH CHRONICLE
—‘Thoughtful, elegant, the balance of wit and heft is perfectly judged. All the stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️’ - Emily Hourican, Author of THE GUINNESS GIRLS
—‘Thought-provoking, sensitive, powerful’ - Teresa Quinn, LIFFEY SOUNDS
—'A masterpiece' - Rebecca Hay, OUR MAN ON THE GROUND MAGAZINE
—‘Fantastic… Fascinating… I loved so much about it’ - Mairead Robinson, SENIOR TIMES
—‘Amazing’ - GCN MAGAZINE
—'A great read, an easy read, a beautiful book. It's really lovely'- Anne Neville, CRY 104FM
Connie Maguire has always lived in the shadows. Battling low self-esteem, she has spent her life prioritising her only child — and he has flourished, becoming Ireland's newest rugby star.
On the day of her milestone birthday, with Liam's career about to soar, Connie finally believes she might achieve some happiness.
Then tragedy strikes in the dark of night, changing everything.
On Ireland's rugged west coast, the past refuses to stay buried, and Connie must finally confront the devastating truth of what happened on the night that destroyed so many lives.
This powerful exploration of motherhood, guilt and redemption questions whether we can truly be free from the mistakes of our past.
New from 2025 Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Domhnall O'Donoghue, The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is perfect for fans of Liz Nugent, Adele Parks and Shari Lapena.
—‘A stunning page-turner' - Nicola Bardon, THE SUN
—'His finest work of fiction, well worth reading' - Anne Cunningham, THE MEATH CHRONICLE
—‘Thoughtful, elegant, the balance of wit and heft is perfectly judged. All the stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️’ - Emily Hourican, Author of THE GUINNESS GIRLS
—‘Thought-provoking, sensitive, powerful’ - Teresa Quinn, LIFFEY SOUNDS
—'A masterpiece' - Rebecca Hay, OUR MAN ON THE GROUND MAGAZINE
—‘Fantastic… Fascinating… I loved so much about it’ - Mairead Robinson, SENIOR TIMES
—‘Amazing’ - GCN MAGAZINE
—'A great read, an easy read, a beautiful book. It's really lovely'- Anne Neville, CRY 104FM
Connie Maguire has always lived in the shadows. Battling low self-esteem, she has spent her life prioritising her only child — and he has flourished, becoming Ireland's newest rugby star.
On the day of her milestone birthday, with Liam's career about to soar, Connie finally believes she might achieve some happiness.
Then tragedy strikes in the dark of night, changing everything.
On Ireland's rugged west coast, the past refuses to stay buried, and Connie must finally confront the devastating truth of what happened on the night that destroyed so many lives.
This powerful exploration of motherhood, guilt and redemption questions whether we can truly be free from the mistakes of our past.
New from 2025 Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year Domhnall O'Donoghue, The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is perfect for fans of Liz Nugent, Adele Parks and Shari Lapena.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 6, 2025
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 9, 2025
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire by Domhnall O'Donoghue
This is the fourth book from the author, but people going in to this expecting another "Sister Agatha" or "Colin and the Concubine" might be a bit surprised as this is quite different to the roads we have walked down before.
While the humour has not been completely erased the story is much darker. Our protagonist, Connie, is battling various daemons including low self esteem, stemming from her relationship with her own mother.
Given her own childhood she becomes an overbearing mother, sacrificing her own life to ensure her son wants for nothing in order to reach great heights.
The story takes place across two time lines. Starting in "present day" and jumping back to the faithful night which led to Connie's downfall.
It is excellently paced, and without sounding too clichéd, it is a pure page turner. The story really sucked me in, and while I had my inklings about where the story was going, I was kept gripped about just how we were going to get there.
Connie's story is a brilliant one. Domhnall has taken a bit of a risk here in the slight swerve in genre, but I think it pays off. It's a great story, that lays bare the damage and struggles that some people keep buried.
To the outside world Connie appeared to have a perfect life, only we get to see the truth, and Domhnall presents it brilliantly. Recommended.
Book scheduled for release on 6th of June via Mercier Press
I was gifted an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review
#bookstagram #bookchat #bookworm
This is the fourth book from the author, but people going in to this expecting another "Sister Agatha" or "Colin and the Concubine" might be a bit surprised as this is quite different to the roads we have walked down before.
While the humour has not been completely erased the story is much darker. Our protagonist, Connie, is battling various daemons including low self esteem, stemming from her relationship with her own mother.
Given her own childhood she becomes an overbearing mother, sacrificing her own life to ensure her son wants for nothing in order to reach great heights.
The story takes place across two time lines. Starting in "present day" and jumping back to the faithful night which led to Connie's downfall.
It is excellently paced, and without sounding too clichéd, it is a pure page turner. The story really sucked me in, and while I had my inklings about where the story was going, I was kept gripped about just how we were going to get there.
Connie's story is a brilliant one. Domhnall has taken a bit of a risk here in the slight swerve in genre, but I think it pays off. It's a great story, that lays bare the damage and struggles that some people keep buried.
To the outside world Connie appeared to have a perfect life, only we get to see the truth, and Domhnall presents it brilliantly. Recommended.
Book scheduled for release on 6th of June via Mercier Press
I was gifted an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review
#bookstagram #bookchat #bookworm
May 18, 2025
Review: The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire by Domhnall O’Donoghue
🌟 Overview
Domhnall O’Donoghue’s The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a poignant, darkly humorous, and deeply human exploration of resilience, identity, and the messy beauty of life. Connie Maguire—a character who lingers in the mind like a vivid memory—navigates a world that oscillates between absurdity and profundity, with O’Donoghue’s signature Irish wit and emotional depth guiding every page. This novel, years in the making, delivers a story that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
✨ Key Strengths
💫 Unforgettable Protagonist – Connie is a masterclass in character writing: flawed, fierce, and utterly real. Her voice crackles with authenticity.
🍀 Irish Wit & Heart – O’Donoghue balances razor-sharp humor with moments of raw tenderness, creating a tone that’s uniquely compelling.
🌀 Narrative Boldness – The structure zigzangs through time and perspective, mirroring life’s chaos while never losing emotional clarity.
🌌 Thematic Richness – Themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, and societal expectations are woven with subtlety and power.
⚠️ Considerations
📖 Pacing Variability – Some readers may find the nonlinear style demanding in early chapters, though it rewards patience.
🎭 Niche Appeal – Those preferring straightforward narratives might crave more conventional plotting.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🎪 Character Depth → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🌀 Structure & Originality → ★★★★ (4/5)
💔 Emotional Impact → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A riotous, tear-streaked carnival of a life—Connie Maguire will haunt you in the best way.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Unconventional heroines like Eleanor Oliphant but with Irish irreverence
🍀 Dark humor blended with soul-stirring pathos
🔄 Narratives that dance between timelines without missing a beat
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Domhnall O’Donoghue for the advance review copy. The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a testament to storytelling that dares to be both messy and magnificent—best read with a strong cup of tea and a box of tissues.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
🌟 Overview
Domhnall O’Donoghue’s The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a poignant, darkly humorous, and deeply human exploration of resilience, identity, and the messy beauty of life. Connie Maguire—a character who lingers in the mind like a vivid memory—navigates a world that oscillates between absurdity and profundity, with O’Donoghue’s signature Irish wit and emotional depth guiding every page. This novel, years in the making, delivers a story that is as unpredictable as it is unforgettable.
✨ Key Strengths
💫 Unforgettable Protagonist – Connie is a masterclass in character writing: flawed, fierce, and utterly real. Her voice crackles with authenticity.
🍀 Irish Wit & Heart – O’Donoghue balances razor-sharp humor with moments of raw tenderness, creating a tone that’s uniquely compelling.
🌀 Narrative Boldness – The structure zigzangs through time and perspective, mirroring life’s chaos while never losing emotional clarity.
🌌 Thematic Richness – Themes of self-discovery, familial bonds, and societal expectations are woven with subtlety and power.
⚠️ Considerations
📖 Pacing Variability – Some readers may find the nonlinear style demanding in early chapters, though it rewards patience.
🎭 Niche Appeal – Those preferring straightforward narratives might crave more conventional plotting.
⭐ Score Breakdown (0–5 Stars)
✍️ Prose & Voice → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
🎪 Character Depth → ★★★★★ (5/5)
🌀 Structure & Originality → ★★★★ (4/5)
💔 Emotional Impact → ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Overall: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
A riotous, tear-streaked carnival of a life—Connie Maguire will haunt you in the best way.
🎯 Perfect For Readers Who Love
📖 Unconventional heroines like Eleanor Oliphant but with Irish irreverence
🍀 Dark humor blended with soul-stirring pathos
🔄 Narratives that dance between timelines without missing a beat
🙏 Gratitude
Thank you to NetGalley and Domhnall O’Donoghue for the advance review copy. The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a testament to storytelling that dares to be both messy and magnificent—best read with a strong cup of tea and a box of tissues.
(Note: Review based on an uncorrected proof; final publication may vary.)
June 25, 2025
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire by Domhnall O’Donoghue published June 13th with Mercier Press and is described as a ‘powerful exploration of motherhood, guilt and redemption…questions whether we can truly be free from the mistakes of our past.’
Connie Maguire has had to deal with many challenges throughout her life. Approaching her fortieth birthday, she reaches a turning point. Her son Liam, her pride and joy, has achieved great success as a rugby player and has been selected for the Irish squad. Together they have had to struggle through tough times but Connie always made sure that Liam’s rugby came first. She was, and still is, his biggest cheerleader.
After years of hardship, they decide to throw a big party to celebrate Connie’s birthday and Liam’s selection. With excitement at a high, Connie is apprehensive of the night ahead but also so very proud of Liam. Connie has always suffered very low self-esteem, never truly believing in herself. Liam’s father disappeared from their lives way back leaving Connie to manage alone. As Liam got older he became more aware of his mother’s pain and has been her rock in recent times, supporting her and giving her much needed love and a good few pep talks.
The day of the celebrations is central to this story as it is on that night that a tragic event unfolds that changes everything. Connie’s life alters dramatically and, as the story unfolds, we witness her life today with flashbacks to the night her life imploded.
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is set across two timelines, then and now. It encapsulates motherhood and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. As a mother myself (and as a huge rugby fan), I had been really looking forward to reading this book but, unfortunately, as I turned the pages, I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. I experienced no emotional attachment to any part of the story, although it is quite an emotive read. There was just something lacking throughout for me.
Connie Maguire devoted her life to Liam, putting everything on hold to help him become more than she could ever be. She made many mistakes in her life and is now paying a huge price. When faced with adversity Connie’s actions are the strong talking point of the novel, which would work well for book clubs, alongside the running themes of addiction and mental health. The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a story of guilt, atonement and sacrifice but ultimately it is a story about the strength of a mother’s love.
Connie Maguire has had to deal with many challenges throughout her life. Approaching her fortieth birthday, she reaches a turning point. Her son Liam, her pride and joy, has achieved great success as a rugby player and has been selected for the Irish squad. Together they have had to struggle through tough times but Connie always made sure that Liam’s rugby came first. She was, and still is, his biggest cheerleader.
After years of hardship, they decide to throw a big party to celebrate Connie’s birthday and Liam’s selection. With excitement at a high, Connie is apprehensive of the night ahead but also so very proud of Liam. Connie has always suffered very low self-esteem, never truly believing in herself. Liam’s father disappeared from their lives way back leaving Connie to manage alone. As Liam got older he became more aware of his mother’s pain and has been her rock in recent times, supporting her and giving her much needed love and a good few pep talks.
The day of the celebrations is central to this story as it is on that night that a tragic event unfolds that changes everything. Connie’s life alters dramatically and, as the story unfolds, we witness her life today with flashbacks to the night her life imploded.
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is set across two timelines, then and now. It encapsulates motherhood and the sacrifices mothers make for their children. As a mother myself (and as a huge rugby fan), I had been really looking forward to reading this book but, unfortunately, as I turned the pages, I didn’t feel any connection to the characters. I experienced no emotional attachment to any part of the story, although it is quite an emotive read. There was just something lacking throughout for me.
Connie Maguire devoted her life to Liam, putting everything on hold to help him become more than she could ever be. She made many mistakes in her life and is now paying a huge price. When faced with adversity Connie’s actions are the strong talking point of the novel, which would work well for book clubs, alongside the running themes of addiction and mental health. The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a story of guilt, atonement and sacrifice but ultimately it is a story about the strength of a mother’s love.
June 29, 2025
An astutely-observed novel about the burdens of parental responsibility, the struggles of motherhood and the devastating effects of buried secrets, The Wonderful Life of Connie Maguire is a thought-provoking and sensitively told novel by Domhnall O’Donoghue.
Connie Maguire has never felt comfortable in her own skin. Happiest when she’s fading in the background, Connie’s entire life has been felt battling low self-esteem. With no self-confidence, Connie has instead made it her mission to dedicate herself to her child and all her hard work has paid off because her son is now Ireland’s newest rugby star, adored by fans, revered by his admirers and celebrated by the media and luminaries in his field. At long last, Connie feels as if she can finally claim some of the happiness that has long been denied to her. However, her hopes are suddenly dashed in the most cruel and unexpected of ways…
Everything changed for Connie one dark night and as never forgotten secrets come to unexpected light, she is forced to face her demons head on. Connie must confront the the truth of what happened that night and live with the consequences of the terrible tragedy that destroyed so many lives…
The Wonderful Life of Connie Maguire is a book that gets under your skin and takes you on a claustrophobic journey riven with tension, danger and menace. Domnhall O’Donoghue writes so brilliantly about his characters that you feel all the emotions, struggles and pain they are going through.
The Wonderful Life of Connie Maguire is a cracking good yarn by Domnhall O’Donoghue I certainly won’t forget in a hurry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Connie Maguire has never felt comfortable in her own skin. Happiest when she’s fading in the background, Connie’s entire life has been felt battling low self-esteem. With no self-confidence, Connie has instead made it her mission to dedicate herself to her child and all her hard work has paid off because her son is now Ireland’s newest rugby star, adored by fans, revered by his admirers and celebrated by the media and luminaries in his field. At long last, Connie feels as if she can finally claim some of the happiness that has long been denied to her. However, her hopes are suddenly dashed in the most cruel and unexpected of ways…
Everything changed for Connie one dark night and as never forgotten secrets come to unexpected light, she is forced to face her demons head on. Connie must confront the the truth of what happened that night and live with the consequences of the terrible tragedy that destroyed so many lives…
The Wonderful Life of Connie Maguire is a book that gets under your skin and takes you on a claustrophobic journey riven with tension, danger and menace. Domnhall O’Donoghue writes so brilliantly about his characters that you feel all the emotions, struggles and pain they are going through.
The Wonderful Life of Connie Maguire is a cracking good yarn by Domnhall O’Donoghue I certainly won’t forget in a hurry.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 2, 2025
Approaching her own 40th birthday and the launching of her son, Liam's, career as a rugby player, Connie is looking forward to "new beginnings." Told in two timelines, the joint party for Connie and Liam, and then 2 years later, the reader slowly unwinds the tragic events that do bring new beginnings to everyone, but not in the way Connie had hoped for. At the very beginning I was getting the timelines confused, despite very clear chapter headings. But, things started to fall into place for me and I could not only feel a sense of foreboding but could also feel the strong love between Connie and Liam. This was a powerful story of love, loss, and forgiveness. While too heavy a story for a beach/vacation read, this is still a book worth the read!
Thanks to BooksGoSocial for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
June 17, 2025
Tragic story of a mother's fall from grace👩👦🏉
O'Donoghue's story of devoted single mom Connie and her promising rugby star son Liam moved me. The alternating then and now timeline for the day things went from great to abysmal in their lives and the aftermath two years later really worked for bringing suspense to this tale of motherly love and Connie's capacity for sacrifice and atonement. It's fairly short, easy to read, but it packs on the emotions as Connie deals with life in the aftermath of a day full of bad judgment that changes so many lives.
Enjoyed the author's writing so much I have already sought out a couple more of his works.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
O'Donoghue's story of devoted single mom Connie and her promising rugby star son Liam moved me. The alternating then and now timeline for the day things went from great to abysmal in their lives and the aftermath two years later really worked for bringing suspense to this tale of motherly love and Connie's capacity for sacrifice and atonement. It's fairly short, easy to read, but it packs on the emotions as Connie deals with life in the aftermath of a day full of bad judgment that changes so many lives.
Enjoyed the author's writing so much I have already sought out a couple more of his works.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
April 24, 2025
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire by Domhnall O’Donoghue shook the ground beneath my feet.
It stirred all kinds of emotions, and it epitomized a literary vessel for love, guilt, redemption, motherhood, and altruism.
Furthermore, it tackled addiction and mental health issues in a sensitive and thoughtful manner.
The revelation near the end of the book took me by surprise and, subsequently, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my e-ARC.
It stirred all kinds of emotions, and it epitomized a literary vessel for love, guilt, redemption, motherhood, and altruism.
Furthermore, it tackled addiction and mental health issues in a sensitive and thoughtful manner.
The revelation near the end of the book took me by surprise and, subsequently, the pieces of the puzzle fell into place.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my e-ARC.
June 12, 2025
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is quite simply a story about a woman called Connie. It's a different kind of mystery and it evokes many emotions. It leaves the reader with a lot to think about because of it's complexity. I like how it isn't afraid to tackle the hard issues of mental health and guilt with such ease and grace I felt grateful for the characters development. A mother will do anything for her child but Connie goes above and beyond which can lead to trouble. I enjoyed the pureness of the story and couldn't stop turning the pages.
June 22, 2025
Quite a sad story this! Connie's first few days after prison are really eventful and quite interesting. I'm not sure what id have done in her position but I imagine I'd want to revisit somewhere familiar to get my bearings. Unfortunately it doesn't go well and I can understand why given the reason for Connie's incarnation. However, it's not clear cut and you can't help but feel sorry for her situation.
Really enjoyed this and found myself quickly invested in Connie's story. I don't think I'd have made the same choices that she'd made but I can understand her motivations.
Really enjoyed this and found myself quickly invested in Connie's story. I don't think I'd have made the same choices that she'd made but I can understand her motivations.
July 9, 2025
Thank you for allowing me to read your book! I think the base storyline is very good, but some of the relationships did not meld well. The origin story of the mother begins to build toward a climax, but then something abrupt happens and we lose the thread of her earlier history.
The ending leaves much to be desired, because I cannot tell whether she acted according to the law or went to Portugal to avoid extradition.
The writing itself is skillful, and the style is strong. I am left wondering what I just read, though.
The ending leaves much to be desired, because I cannot tell whether she acted according to the law or went to Portugal to avoid extradition.
The writing itself is skillful, and the style is strong. I am left wondering what I just read, though.
June 26, 2025
My first time reading Domhnall and this is a stunning page-turner that will grip you and leave you wondering, 'what if?'
The book highlights how everything can change in just one night- no matter how 'wonderful' your life is.
The book highlights how everything can change in just one night- no matter how 'wonderful' your life is.
June 25, 2025
Impossible to put town; I read this in two sittings. Excellent plot, superb character development and an unexpected twist in the take. Bravo! A wonderful read 🥳
July 2, 2025
This is the first I've read from O'Donoghue, although admittedly I've had Sister Agatha sat on my Kindle for an age...note to self...must read soon!
It's told across past and present allowing us to revisit the day that changed everything. As Connie finds out, it takes mere seconds for life to be changed irrevocably.
How far should a mother's love for her child go? With long buried secrets and an assuage of guilt can Connie ever be happy?
Connie is a complex character and one I easily became emotionally invested in.
Her story is powerful, provokes thought and stays with you long after reading.
It's told across past and present allowing us to revisit the day that changed everything. As Connie finds out, it takes mere seconds for life to be changed irrevocably.
How far should a mother's love for her child go? With long buried secrets and an assuage of guilt can Connie ever be happy?
Connie is a complex character and one I easily became emotionally invested in.
Her story is powerful, provokes thought and stays with you long after reading.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews