Narrow Margins

by Marie Browne

Faced with the loss of everything following the collapse of the Rover car company, Marie Browne moves her long-suffering husband Geoff, chaotic children and smelly, narcoleptic dog onto a houseboat in search of a less stressful, healthier, alternative way of life. Strapped for cash, the family buys a decrepit seventy-foot barge called HAPPY GO LUCKY, which had been run as a floating hotel. Outdated and in need of a complete refurbishment, Happy becomes their floating home as they negotiate the trials and tribulations of life in the slow lane.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Memoir, Humor, Contemporary, Biography, Comedy

392 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2009

About the author

Marie Browne is a gently harrassed mother of three who, for the past fifteen years, has been desperately trying to escape the Customer Service Industry. Apart from her husband and kids, the best things in her life are real ale; barbecues; ugly mad dogs that nobody else wants and cream-covered designer coffees. She also has an obsession with shoes but her husband is threatening to get her help for that.

Reviews

[Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was more than half way through with this witty and well written book, when my step-father abducted it on his last visit, and demanded to borrow it. As soon as he picked it up, he wanted to know how the story ended. He bombarded me with questions about the book, about the characters and about the author, and before I knew it he had taken the book with him. This sadly means I have to wait to finish the story myself. However, somewhere on a sailing boat in a yard in Pembroke Dock, my step-father is guaranteed to have his nose stuck in the pages of Marie Browne's book. I hope he enjoys it as much as I did (and that he returns it safely too).

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't say I enjoyed this book exactly, though there was nothing "wrong" with it either - just sort of ... there. Her family and friends never really came alive to me, so the tales of school and custody, etc. didn't mean much, while the more slapstick elements of mishaps onboard sometimes struck me as "guess you had to be there" being highly visual (or olfactory in the case of the septic troubles). The story was well written, and filled time, but I doubt I'd be interested in the planned sequel about their new boat. Narration was good, so probably better heard than read.

[Stephen Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite fun and always good to read about a canal journey. Some bold life decisions, but still a bit "so what"-ish.

[Sarah Goodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this book as it was recommended to me by my mum (who hadn't read it, but works in a library and knows I like narrow boats) so I bought it for the princely sum of 99p while on holiday.

I did in fact laugh out loud a few times, there were some funny moments and I liked the parts with the dog especially. I've seen a few reviews that judge the woman that wrote the book for leaving her dog behind but, tbf my family has a dog and if we were to start living in a place inaccessible or dangerous for him, I'd probably give him to a friend to look after too. Otherwise it's just not fair.

However, the lols only took place once I'd gotten past the start of the book, which I very nearly didn't.

It's never really made clear WHY the family HAVE to move onto a boat - the 'financial ruin' isn't actually detailed, just that Ford had gone bust and this means that some invoice or other won't get paid? So, that's not actually explained and this left me without a clear idea of what resources the family actually had and how much of the shit they were in. Then the author says that they only have 50k to buy and do up a boat.

50 THOUSAND POUNDS

Sorry to say but this took me a lot of time to get over. I mean, I'm earning less than half of that a year, so this was a bit of a wft moment for me - 50k is a lot of money, and while it's not 'lets buy a 5 bed house' kind of money, it's definitely not 'Oh no, we shall all end up in the workhouse' money. And because the actual extent of the financial ruin isn't really covered, it left me wondering why they couldn't just, you know, SHUDDER GASP rent a house? I mean, if the book was billed as a 'middleclass family sell their house and move onto a boat for larks' it wouldn't have put me off as much, but I was sort of led into the story thinking that these would be people like me, like the people I know who will never own a house, who are being charged half their monthly pay for mouldy flats. I felt like the author kind of thought she was in a bad position, but it's not really covered as to why that is, so, I couldn't really see the 'hard decision' in it all.

That was really the crux of my problem with this book. I went to it for escapism and found only the awful truth that there is no escape from the housing crisis or from debt for people like me - the only way to live a 'fun quirky, alternative lifestyle' is to already have a pretty good life to cash in on. If that had been clearer in the blurb I might have got on with the story better. I mean, that is in no way the authors fault but I felt that the book had been mis-sold somewhat, what with the mentions of financial ruin, which it never really etched out in any concrete way. They just keep buying things - a shower, a bathtub!!, Starbucks!

Pro-tip - if you can afford the sheer number of Starbucks coffees in this book, you are a long way from financial ruin. I once lived on bread for a WEEK and even then I still had it better than a lot of people right now, because at least my rent was already paid and the lights were on.

So basically, because the story doesn't really match the blurb, and the author doesn't really convey enough of a sense of worry or concern, it comes across as a bit...clueless and annoying? A bit 'Oh isn't one slumming it, eh what chaps?' and that just rubs me up the wrong way.

And then, right at the end, they decide to sell their boat and travel abroad to find another one, because their daughter's head now reaches the ceiling??? Apparently 'ducking' is for poor people only? I mean, live-aboard boats aren't massive and they're already sailing the equivalent of a tank according to the author, but they need a bigger boat because this low ceiling situation will simply NOT DO.

It's quite possibly I have this woman all wrong, maybe they really were really hard up - but the book didn't really make me believe that, and so it left me a bit irritated and with a few raised eyebrow moments.

So yes, it's funny in places, well written and though the final chapters drag a bit, it was an OK holiday read. Just maybe don't read if you have the same hang-ups as me RE: housing problems.

[Kat Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure when I purchased this book from Amazon, as I'm always leery of free books (as in they don't cost anything on Amazon). Since I've been pleasantly surprised before, I figured why not. Not to mention if I didn't like it, it wouldn't be money wasted. And I'm happy I did! It's two for two with free Amazon downloads! (It's now $2.99 for Kindle on Amazon and still worth the price). There aren't many books that make me laugh out loud, but this one did.

Narrow Margins is the true story of one family's journey from the financial crash of the Rover car company to an alternative and better lifestyle. Faced with the loss of everything, the house, the cars and more importantly their rather lazy and indolent lifestyle, Marie Browne and her family took on the challenge of a whole new way of life. Strapped for cash, the family buys a decrepit 70 ft barge called Happy Go Lucky which had been run as a floating hotel. Outdated and in need of a complete refurbishment, Happy becomes their floating home.

First they need to learn the ropes. Browne was hilarious in describing the many mishaps that befell them as they attempted to travel the rivers in England. Some of my favorite scenes were of their beloved ugly, old, fairly blind, incontinent, lazy dog who seems more of a crusty rope mop than a dog. Hysterical are the accounts of how the dog attempts to board the boat, but his leaps go awry and he splooshes into the water. Time after time, it never fails to make me chuckle.

Sometimes the book is difficult to read as Browne is from England and the story takes place in England. A few terms such as locks and English expressions, I had to look up to understand what she was talking about. Boating terms are explained fairly well as you are learning right along with the family.

As they come to terms with living on a narrow boat, readers gain a fascinating insight into life in the slow lane, literally and figuratively. It takes incredible guts to uproot your life and your family for boat life. It's not for the faint of heart. Surprisingly, the kids embrace (mostly) the concept and find boat life intriguing, if not quite challenging. There are numerous falls into the water, mucky and muddy slips on the banks, cursing at the locks, the cabinets (or lack thereof), the missing can opener, buying multiple can openers, rabid kids on sugar, and more.

But the still moments are what strike you as Browne relates her tale. She discovers the meaning of "slow" and realizes that there is more to life than a mountain of shoes, a big house, wealth, a prestigious job, and all the trappings that go with a daily life. It's the embracing of the stars - love, friendship, and family - that matter.

A witty, inspiring, and poignant must read.

[Geoff Woodland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light hearted look as to how a family coped with the loss of employment by the bread winner. Having been made redundant myself at 55, I had great sympathy for the family and wanted to know how they coped. I think they had more fun, and really lived `life' the day they left their secure environment and took up narrow boating. The flow of the story pulls you along with the family, whether it is turning a seventy foot boat in a sixty eight foot wide canal or the male leaping ashore to moor the boat, only to realise what he thought was solid ground turned out to be less solid than anticipated. It has drama, comedy, pathos within a travel book that doesn't travel all that far from its origin. The book is different, and for me it was a pleasure to read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When life throws you lemons, the adage says make lemonade.... Marie and Geoff Browne certainly did that when they decided to up-sticks and relocate the family to a canal narrow boat. Cue steep learning curve, choppy waters and a baptism of fire in the art of canal boat restoration, navigation and long distance family life. Marie injects just enough humour and angst to keep you interested and an engaging narrative and anecdotes to keep you turning the pages. What's even better - is that the story doesn't end here, there are yet more adventures to come... Narrow Minds and Narrow Escape are firmly on my "To Read" list.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! I adore canals having hired many narrowboats over the years, and my dream is to have my own (could well become a reality in a year or two!). The narrative is so funny and natural, I was 'there' with them! It truly is a laugh out loud book very uplifting! Now lim looking forward to reading the second book in the series.

[Donovan Emrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love historical events like this.
Boats and historical events are what make me love reading. Could you please share the sequel books of your series?

In fact, even though I started reading very late, I'm getting more and more immersed every day.

It is a great chance to read the books of important authors. I know that. I'm looking forward to your new books.

I am writing the importance of reading a book here for friends who want to read this book. I hope it will benefit sellers and customers...

Are the top 10 benefits of reading for all ages:

1. Reading Exercises the Brain

While reading, we have to remember different characters and settings that belong to a given story. Even if you enjoy reading a book in one sitting, you have to remember the details throughout the time you take to read the book. Therefore, reading is a workout for your brain that improves memory function.

2. Reading is a Form of (free) Entertainment

Did you know that most of the popular TV shows and movies are based on books? So why not indulge in the original form of entertainment by immersing yourself in reading. Most importantly, it’s free with your Markham Public Library card.

3. Reading Improves Concentration and the Ability to Focus

We can all agree that reading cannot happen without focus and in order to fully understand the story, we have to concentrate on each page that we read. In a world where gadgets are only getting faster and shortening our attention span, we need to constantly practice concentration and focus. Reading is one of the few activities that requires your undivided attention, therefore, improving your ability to concentrate.

4. Reading Improves Literacy

Have you ever read a book where you came across an unfamiliar word? Books have the power to improve your vocabulary by introducing you to new words. The more you read, the more your vocabulary grows, along with your ability to effectively communicate. Additionally, reading improves writing skills by helping the reader understand and learn different writing styles.

5. Reading Improves Sleep

By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, you can signal to your body that it is time to sleep. Now, more than ever, we rely on increased screen time to get through the day. Therefore, by setting your phone aside and picking up a book, you are telling your brain that it is time to quiet down. Moreover, since reading helps you de-stress, doing so right before bed helps calm your mind and anxiety and improve the quality of sleep.

6. Reading Increases General Knowledge

Books are always filled with fun and interesting facts. Whether you read fiction or non-fictions, books have the ability to provide us with information we would’ve otherwise not known. Reading a variety of topics can make you a more knowledgeable person, in turn improving your conversation skills.

7. Reading is Motivational

By reading books about protagonists who have overcome challenges, we are oftentimes encouraged to do the same. The right book can motivate you to never give up and stay positive, regardless of whether it’s a romance novel or a self-help book.

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[Anita Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fiction writer, trying to write a memoir based on a family holiday we took over forty years ago. Having never written in this genre before, I didn’t have a clue how to go about it. I was advised to read as much as I could of other author’s work, to see how it is best done.
I had read quite a few before picking up a copy of Marie Brown’s best selling novel, Narrow Margins and I didn’t need to look any further.
Narrow Margins is exactly the kind of book I want to write!
When life interferes and ruins her family life, she has to find a way to make the best out of a disaster. It seemed to be an impossible task, but fate intervened and suggested a houseboat might be the answer to their prayers.
How they manage to find one they can afford, and what happens next was an enchanting story. Beautifully written and uplifting too, proving that you can survive a disaster if you have enough determination.
My family has been through a similar situation, but I don’t think we handled it half as well as Marie and her family…

[Billy Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this.

Fun, entertaining, light. Found it perfect for bedtime reading. We join a family who sell up, put nearly everything in storage and buy a Narrowboat. A broken wrecked old girl too. Their aim to renovate and live aboard....

I'll say no more as that might ruin the book!

Personally I have a dream of buying and renovating a Narrowboat. After reading about "Happy" (she's the boat) that dream is even more vivid.

Somehow Marie Brown has captured all that is "British" and sandwiched it between two covers

This book has it all.... Adventure, Peril, Disaster and Joy. Oh and an angry Angler episode that was one of the funniest things I've read this year.

Really looking forward to payday to buy the rest of the series. A real hidden gem.

[Geraldine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly pleasant book. Readable, well written. If I were to find a comparator, I'd cite Seagulls in the Attic: Making a New Life in Cornwall, which is a better book.

I don't want to damn this book with faint praise, because I didn't feel 'meh' about it. I enjoyed it as far as it went, but, I guess I can't give it a higher star rating because, I guess I didn't really identify with it - whereas the Tessa Hainsworth book set in motion a train of thought which changed my life.

If you think you'd be interested in this, read it, but if you don't really want to hop out of your usual genres, you won't miss out by not reading this.

[Janey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find it very funny, nor even very entertaining. Skip-read quite a bit of it just to get through. I found some parts heart-warming and fairly interesting but was bored by the descriptions of exactly how they steered the boat, turned the boat, got through a lock, steered it some more, turned it again... I have spent a week on a 70ft narrow boat and it was certainly hard to steer (except into the banks) but describing the challenges don't make good reading. Then there was the madness of taking on a huge refurb project while living in the horrendously awful boat - with a child!
(Don't get me started on their parenting!)

[Patricia Carline · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book about a lovely family whose lives changed overnight!

Marie and her husband were doing very well, by 'normal' standards - lovely home, plenty of money, comfortable life-style, that changed overnight when Rover went bust - taking their business with it! This is the story of how they dealt with their loss and the astonishing lifestyle change which followed - turning them into people they never dreamed they could be - from exiles from success to successful escapees into a very real life adventure!

[Sandy McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following the collapse of a major company, Marie and husband Geoff are forced to sell their family home. They decide to buy and restore a (very large) narrow boat for the family and much loved "smelly" dog to live on.
Full of laughs and lots of "OMG" moments, they learn to manoeuvre their vessel "Happy" through various canals, inland waterways, locks and tunnels.
I am looking forward to the next chapter of adventures for this family.

[Camilla Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

True blissful escapism and sometimes so funny I laughed till I cried!

My first job after leaving school was a couple of years in a boatyard on the canal ... reading this brought back happy memories but more than that gave me a glimpse into a different way of life ... written in an entertaining style, the writer and her family feel like old friends and I can’t wait to start the next book. Thank you so much for sharing your anything but mundane life with us :-)

[Damian Rushton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the book. I found myself there on the boat watching the family and could visualise everything the author described. I found it hillarious but also heartwarming as the family learn what is important to them both as a collective and as individuals! I would recommend this book to all those that like an easy to read, shining a positive light on family life with hilarious consequences of living together in small spaces!

[Julie Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a canal boat holiday enthusiast, I loved reading this tale of a family making a dream come true. I could relate to their experiencses, both good and bad, and in p!aces thought "we did that!'. This book made me laugh out loud in places and I found the story to be quite inspirational. A great read.

[Lady Anna VZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely light-hearted read about a lifestyle I will never have (nor want). Beautifully written. I felt like I was there enjoying the adventure (or misadventures). A great read for on the train to and from work.

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly entertaining, if you have ever considered leaving the rat race behind and living instead on a narrow boat this 'might' help convince you (or not).
Very well written and very funny. I will be reading the next in the series for sure!

[Mick Doy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed

I do not like "a laugh-out- loud" boast in a book as 9 times out of 10 I don't. This book was one of the 9 times and apart from spike Milligan I am still looking. After saying this it did keep me amused.

[Marilyn McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

What a wonderful uplifting book. And I did actually laugh out loud! Marie seems to look at life as an adventure, which is what it is and enjoys every second! I am now going to read her next book, which I am sure will be as entertaining as this.

[Judith Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable and funny

I really enjoyed this book because it was different to anything I have read before. The different way of life on a barge and all the obstacles they had to overcome, were woven so well into the story with lots of humour.

[Glenys · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this an interesting account of one family's response to change of circumstances.
Their two years on "Happy" was an experience like no other but it seems that their enthusiasm for an alternative way of life have not been dimmed.

[Ann Jovicic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! Really was laugh out loud. One of those rare books that you couldn't put down while at the same time you don't want to finish. Hope there will be a sequel or six!!

[colin hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny all the way through

Well written book, the trials and tribulations of boating,I enjoyed very moment from start to finish,I look forward to the next one by this author

[Mike Perryman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great family tales

Good easy reading book with funny stories about the life in a river and restoring a rather large narrow boat.

[Jennifer Linsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms. Browne is an excellent writer, and this is a marvelous book in the memoir vein. It has me longing for my own home afloat.

[Ross Mountney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable autobiography about choosing a different lifestyle afloat when your normal secure life goes pearshaped!

[Peter J Nicolls · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good light hearted story.