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Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance
The first step was learning to read, but if she really wants to turn her life around, Maggsie is going to have to trust other people – and that might just be the hardest lesson she’s ever faced . . .
Small and dyslexic, with a short fuse, bad teeth, a prison record and something to prove, Marguerite McNaughton – Maggsie – doesn't need anybody or anything, thank you very much. She's more than capable of looking after herself.
She’s also about to discover that everyone needs someone, sometimes.
Even her.
The thing about trusting others, though, is that not everyone is trustworthy...
It starts when a fellow inmate gives Maggsie reading lessons. Then she's offered a job in London as a kitchen assistant, together with supported accommodation and a colleague who seems determined to befriend Maggsie, no matter what.
At first, Maggsie is convinced nothing will change.
Especially her.
But maybe this time can be different? Maybe Maggsie can be different – if she can just put her previous mistakes behind her and her trust in the right people.
Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance, by Frances Maynard, is an uplifting, heartwarming novel about the power of friendship and the written word, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant, Three Things about Elsie and Elizabeth is Missing.
Small and dyslexic, with a short fuse, bad teeth, a prison record and something to prove, Marguerite McNaughton – Maggsie – doesn't need anybody or anything, thank you very much. She's more than capable of looking after herself.
She’s also about to discover that everyone needs someone, sometimes.
Even her.
The thing about trusting others, though, is that not everyone is trustworthy...
It starts when a fellow inmate gives Maggsie reading lessons. Then she's offered a job in London as a kitchen assistant, together with supported accommodation and a colleague who seems determined to befriend Maggsie, no matter what.
At first, Maggsie is convinced nothing will change.
Especially her.
But maybe this time can be different? Maybe Maggsie can be different – if she can just put her previous mistakes behind her and her trust in the right people.
Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance, by Frances Maynard, is an uplifting, heartwarming novel about the power of friendship and the written word, perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant, Three Things about Elsie and Elizabeth is Missing.
326 pages, Hardcover
First published June 27, 2019
13 people are currently reading
280 people want to read
About the author
Frances Maynard
4 books96 followersI teach English part-time to adults with learning difficulties, including Asperger's.
I'm married with one grown-up daughter and live in Dorset, on the south coast of England. I also spend time in Blackheath, south-east London.
The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr is my first novel. It was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping 2014 First Novel Award and shortlisted for both the 2016 Mslexia First Novel Competition and the Lucy Cavendish Prize. My second book, Maggsie McNaughton's Second chance, comes out June 27th 2019.
I'm married with one grown-up daughter and live in Dorset, on the south coast of England. I also spend time in Blackheath, south-east London.
The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr is my first novel. It was runner-up in the Good Housekeeping 2014 First Novel Award and shortlisted for both the 2016 Mslexia First Novel Competition and the Lucy Cavendish Prize. My second book, Maggsie McNaughton's Second chance, comes out June 27th 2019.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 28, 2021
Marguerite McNaughton, who prefers to be known as Maggsie, has a prison record and has had to deal with anger issues a number of times in her life. Though small in stature she is a feisty character who takes umbrage at those who look down on her for her stature and her dyslexia. She also has trouble accepting help. While in prison another woman, Enid, helps Maggsie learn to read a little from Woman’s World magazines. When she comes out of prison and is offered a job in London, Maggsie has no idea how long she will be able to keep it. She has a past history of not being able to hold down jobs long. But on her first day she encounters an unexpected situation which leaves her feeling good about herself. She also meets TJ a Polish worker who seems to want to be friends. Can Maggsie accept this second chance and turn her life around? Or will the past come back to haunt her?
Having read and enjoyed The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr, this author’s first novel, I was keen to read this one. Maggsie is an interesting character. She is trying to control her anger issues and has a couple of certificates to prove she is working on it. But sometimes the anger still erupts. She has to find a way to deal with it. Living in supported accommodation is another change in her life. It is not always easy, especially on a limited income. Learning to trust others when she has been let down in the past is also a hard lesson to learn.
Those who like quirky characters who have had to battle difficulties, should enjoy this story as I did. As a reader I really wanted to cheer for Maggsie and tell her not to be stupid and endanger what she has. But the author does a great job of getting inside her misguided thinking. Perhaps some things towards the end were unrealistic but by then I didn’t care. I just wanted Maggsie to cop a break. Whether she does or not you will have to read this book to find out. I found this story beautifully and carefully written as well as thought provoking as it makes the reader consider how we may classify, judge and look down on some people. A thoroughly recommended read, which I powered through.
Having read and enjoyed The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr, this author’s first novel, I was keen to read this one. Maggsie is an interesting character. She is trying to control her anger issues and has a couple of certificates to prove she is working on it. But sometimes the anger still erupts. She has to find a way to deal with it. Living in supported accommodation is another change in her life. It is not always easy, especially on a limited income. Learning to trust others when she has been let down in the past is also a hard lesson to learn.
Those who like quirky characters who have had to battle difficulties, should enjoy this story as I did. As a reader I really wanted to cheer for Maggsie and tell her not to be stupid and endanger what she has. But the author does a great job of getting inside her misguided thinking. Perhaps some things towards the end were unrealistic but by then I didn’t care. I just wanted Maggsie to cop a break. Whether she does or not you will have to read this book to find out. I found this story beautifully and carefully written as well as thought provoking as it makes the reader consider how we may classify, judge and look down on some people. A thoroughly recommended read, which I powered through.
June 15, 2019
Oh my! I absolutely loved Maggsie's story and I just know that she will stay with me for a very long time.
This book is just so full of warmth and hope and humour and the fact that there are good people in this world. It's a book that reaffirms that everyone deserves a second chance and that we all have something to give to the world.
Maggsie had a troubled upbringing and didn't get the best start in life. She is also dyslexic and this has stopped her from achieving many things in life. She has low self esteem and believes that she is not worthy of anything better. But, when in jail one of the inmates is kind to her and gives her a glimmer of hope. On release Maggsie moves to London to a shared home with other women who are ex offenders and she gets her second chance at living life. She has a caring, yet young social worker, who has her best interest at heart, plus a job in the kitchen of an exclusive Scandinavian company. Her new life is there for the taking, but will Maggsie take it? Does she feel that she deserves this second chance?
This is such an uplifting book with a central female character that you just can't help but warm too. She's funny, honest, but ultimately she is such a caring and good person and you just want her to realise this truth.
This book did make me laugh, as Maggsie does find herself in some very interesting situations. She is just so very likeable, as are many of the other characters. I especially loved Maggsie 's interactions with TJ, a polish man who works with Maggsie in the kitchen. Their interactions were such a treat to read.
Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance is a riveting read as we follow Maggsie on her journey of self discovery. We read snippets of her past that explain why she became the person she is today. It's a funny book, Maggsie is very funny. It is also incredibly poignant and uplifting. A truly remarkable book with unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky, funny, life affirming and heart-warming read.
This book is just so full of warmth and hope and humour and the fact that there are good people in this world. It's a book that reaffirms that everyone deserves a second chance and that we all have something to give to the world.
Maggsie had a troubled upbringing and didn't get the best start in life. She is also dyslexic and this has stopped her from achieving many things in life. She has low self esteem and believes that she is not worthy of anything better. But, when in jail one of the inmates is kind to her and gives her a glimmer of hope. On release Maggsie moves to London to a shared home with other women who are ex offenders and she gets her second chance at living life. She has a caring, yet young social worker, who has her best interest at heart, plus a job in the kitchen of an exclusive Scandinavian company. Her new life is there for the taking, but will Maggsie take it? Does she feel that she deserves this second chance?
This is such an uplifting book with a central female character that you just can't help but warm too. She's funny, honest, but ultimately she is such a caring and good person and you just want her to realise this truth.
This book did make me laugh, as Maggsie does find herself in some very interesting situations. She is just so very likeable, as are many of the other characters. I especially loved Maggsie 's interactions with TJ, a polish man who works with Maggsie in the kitchen. Their interactions were such a treat to read.
Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance is a riveting read as we follow Maggsie on her journey of self discovery. We read snippets of her past that explain why she became the person she is today. It's a funny book, Maggsie is very funny. It is also incredibly poignant and uplifting. A truly remarkable book with unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky, funny, life affirming and heart-warming read.
December 28, 2024
What a beautiful gem of a book.
Everyone deserves a second chance, particularly Maggsie.
Tender, poignant funny and hopeful.
Loved it 🥰
Narrated beautifully for audible 🎧
Everyone deserves a second chance, particularly Maggsie.
Tender, poignant funny and hopeful.
Loved it 🥰
Narrated beautifully for audible 🎧
June 26, 2019
This book was an unexpected piece of Uplit. I did not remember the blurb while going in, which meant I was meeting Maggsie on her terms and with only the information she deems important enough to tell me.
Maggsie is starting life anew. She drops information about how she found herself in the situation she is in now. Things start off with a bang and on the positive notes that follow, she starts a resolution for the year. She marks the days off on the calendar as she wades her way through unfamiliar territory. Through words that make her fumble, perceived and actual slights, and anger issues. She makes new friends and learns to trust even as she makes very big mistakes. This last part seemed very out of sync with the tone of the rest of the book and that took away the one star from the five-star read. That is a personal reaction, I am sure most who read this book will like her misadventure as much as they would like her adventure in life.
I do not want to introduce the rest of the cast or the cat for fear that it will diminish the impact when they are casually thrown into the narrative inversely proportional to the importance they hold in Maggsie's life. It is a book about a daily struggle and the effort it takes one woman and her new support system to see her way through. The British lingo (in some parts)took some getting used to but on the whole, was a very heartfelt book.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
Maggsie is starting life anew. She drops information about how she found herself in the situation she is in now. Things start off with a bang and on the positive notes that follow, she starts a resolution for the year. She marks the days off on the calendar as she wades her way through unfamiliar territory. Through words that make her fumble, perceived and actual slights, and anger issues. She makes new friends and learns to trust even as she makes very big mistakes. This last part seemed very out of sync with the tone of the rest of the book and that took away the one star from the five-star read. That is a personal reaction, I am sure most who read this book will like her misadventure as much as they would like her adventure in life.
I do not want to introduce the rest of the cast or the cat for fear that it will diminish the impact when they are casually thrown into the narrative inversely proportional to the importance they hold in Maggsie's life. It is a book about a daily struggle and the effort it takes one woman and her new support system to see her way through. The British lingo (in some parts)took some getting used to but on the whole, was a very heartfelt book.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my own reading experience.
April 18, 2020
Brilliant
It is rare that I start a book and can’t put it down - but this is one of them. A story about a girl who from a really bad start in life seems to have nothing to look forward to and has no wish to put herself on the road to redemption when she is finally released from jail. From her dyslexia to her lack of a guiding influence since her only good friend in jail looks likely to die of cancer, she pulls herself up to become a worthwhile citizen. Setbacks along the way seem insurmountable but thankfully the end is a happy one. Recommended.
It is rare that I start a book and can’t put it down - but this is one of them. A story about a girl who from a really bad start in life seems to have nothing to look forward to and has no wish to put herself on the road to redemption when she is finally released from jail. From her dyslexia to her lack of a guiding influence since her only good friend in jail looks likely to die of cancer, she pulls herself up to become a worthwhile citizen. Setbacks along the way seem insurmountable but thankfully the end is a happy one. Recommended.
March 6, 2019
Maggsie McNaughton’s Second Chance
Frances Maynard
Disclaimer: I have been lucky enough to have received an advance copy of this book. I don’t review books very often and I never review books which I have nothing positive to say about. I am not a professional reader, or a blogger. In percentage terms: I am 1% an avid writer and 99% an avid reader. Books are too important.
People often use the expression that they ‘escape into a book’ and some would call that expression a metaphor. It is not a metaphor. Not when the writing is as compelling and as fourth dimensional as Frances Maynard’s.
As a child, I would open a book take hold of the top two corners, step into it and pull the world behind like a cloak around my shoulders. Just as Lucy did walking through the fur coats in the wardrobe, taking one of them too big for her and stepping into Narnia to take tea with Mr. Tumnus. This is why, as an adult, I will still return to favourite books and walk amongst their worlds time and time again. Having my cucumber sandwiches with Tumnus, Bilbo, Bunter, or the best provider of pemmican suppers in the world, ‘First Mate’ Susan. That is to say Especially as an adult. (of sorts) And I am sure all of us bookaphiles do – whether it’s into the Laungedoc with Kate Mosse, or mediaeval England with CJ Sansom or indeed back again to Greyfriars for an enormous plum cake with Master WG Butler or sandwiches with the four Marys! (Food… well at least cake… is important too) It is an escape, it is an adventure and it is a universe where the right things, the right values, the right emotions – actually work! And when it is the best of writing we come out changed, and our own world changes around us a little bit too. We see our landscape a little more clearly, we see details we hadn’t noticed – most importantly we look at people in a new light. As with the best of ‘Art’ we look at these things with more empathy. After all, ‘Art’s purpose is to bring all us humans together. It may take a long, long while, but each journey into understanding others is a step that together builds a road.
So, what is remarkable with Frances’ writing is that she takes us into other worlds that are, probably, completely alien to most of us. They are not sometimes comfortable worlds but she has the genius to make us comforted within them.
As with her first stunning novel ‘The Seven Rules of Elvira Carr’ she takes us into her created universe completely with the use of a first-person narrative. Here we see everything through the eyes of Maggsie McNaughton the eponymous heroine. But Maggsie is not the heroine of fantasy or romance, but of a brutal, hard and cold reality. She is barely literate, with dyslexia that has held her back since an early child. She is born into a background of poverty and neglect, with shocking prospects, and no ability to absorb education, except the kind afforded in the school of hard knocks. The kind of places that shouldn’t exist in our society anymore but are becoming increasingly more common. And being of diminutive stature, Maggsie has had to learn to stand up for herself even more, and stand up much taller than she actually is. She has been called a ‘Spitfire’ in the past and, when she learns what the word means, she is proud to have that as an appellation. She has bad teeth, a badder (sic) attitude, and in an environment that has conditioned people like her to ‘fight or flight’ – she never takes the second option. I hate giving plot away in reviews so I won’t. I will just say that we meet Maggsie in prison. This isn’t the first time she has been there and won’t be the last. She has become institutionalised to it. It’s a life she knows and can deal with. In prison, she knows how to act and what to expect. Fists first, consequences later. Nobody ain’t never going to stand up for Maggsie - so she’s going make damn sure she does it for herself. Bring it on! Is her attitude - Bring it on!!
But in prison she meets a friend who, via the unlikely, transformative world of ‘Woman’s World’ magazine, helps give her a start on a new perspective that she has never had before. And when she is given a ‘second chance’, and is released on probation to a halfway house, Maggsie realises she is going to have to learn all sorts of new survival skills. She is going to make mistakes. Big mistakes, the sort she can’t sort out with just her tiny, battle-hardened fists. She learns that failure can be the hardest lesson of all. And she also learns something very, very valuable indeed. Something we all learn through her eyes, and if we think we already knew it, well we learn it harder. You see Maggsie through the eyes of the judgmental world at first, and nobody in their right minds would envy her. But by the end of the book we realise just how wrong we would be not to envy her. And that is the work of a true Artist!
This is a beautifully crafted, page turning story full of vibrant characters a great plot and like the best of stories do – it gives us all encouragement to make our own world more beautiful - in how we look at people, how we deal and interact with people who are different to ourselves. And, perhaps, most importantly, how we are able to help people who desperately need it, but aren’t able to articulate it, or at least try to!
Like all the best of adventures again, ‘Maggsie McNaughton’s Second Chance’ will leave you invigorated, exhilarated, your heart pumping and your eyes not just wind moistened. You’ll close the cover of the book, desperate to meet the people again sometime soon, and feeling just that little bit better about the world - Fortified with a dose of that most precious of tonics. Hope!
You may gather I recommend this one! And I also apologise for the overuse of the word ‘World’ – I don’t have Frances Maynard’s gifts!
Frances Maynard
Disclaimer: I have been lucky enough to have received an advance copy of this book. I don’t review books very often and I never review books which I have nothing positive to say about. I am not a professional reader, or a blogger. In percentage terms: I am 1% an avid writer and 99% an avid reader. Books are too important.
People often use the expression that they ‘escape into a book’ and some would call that expression a metaphor. It is not a metaphor. Not when the writing is as compelling and as fourth dimensional as Frances Maynard’s.
As a child, I would open a book take hold of the top two corners, step into it and pull the world behind like a cloak around my shoulders. Just as Lucy did walking through the fur coats in the wardrobe, taking one of them too big for her and stepping into Narnia to take tea with Mr. Tumnus. This is why, as an adult, I will still return to favourite books and walk amongst their worlds time and time again. Having my cucumber sandwiches with Tumnus, Bilbo, Bunter, or the best provider of pemmican suppers in the world, ‘First Mate’ Susan. That is to say Especially as an adult. (of sorts) And I am sure all of us bookaphiles do – whether it’s into the Laungedoc with Kate Mosse, or mediaeval England with CJ Sansom or indeed back again to Greyfriars for an enormous plum cake with Master WG Butler or sandwiches with the four Marys! (Food… well at least cake… is important too) It is an escape, it is an adventure and it is a universe where the right things, the right values, the right emotions – actually work! And when it is the best of writing we come out changed, and our own world changes around us a little bit too. We see our landscape a little more clearly, we see details we hadn’t noticed – most importantly we look at people in a new light. As with the best of ‘Art’ we look at these things with more empathy. After all, ‘Art’s purpose is to bring all us humans together. It may take a long, long while, but each journey into understanding others is a step that together builds a road.
So, what is remarkable with Frances’ writing is that she takes us into other worlds that are, probably, completely alien to most of us. They are not sometimes comfortable worlds but she has the genius to make us comforted within them.
As with her first stunning novel ‘The Seven Rules of Elvira Carr’ she takes us into her created universe completely with the use of a first-person narrative. Here we see everything through the eyes of Maggsie McNaughton the eponymous heroine. But Maggsie is not the heroine of fantasy or romance, but of a brutal, hard and cold reality. She is barely literate, with dyslexia that has held her back since an early child. She is born into a background of poverty and neglect, with shocking prospects, and no ability to absorb education, except the kind afforded in the school of hard knocks. The kind of places that shouldn’t exist in our society anymore but are becoming increasingly more common. And being of diminutive stature, Maggsie has had to learn to stand up for herself even more, and stand up much taller than she actually is. She has been called a ‘Spitfire’ in the past and, when she learns what the word means, she is proud to have that as an appellation. She has bad teeth, a badder (sic) attitude, and in an environment that has conditioned people like her to ‘fight or flight’ – she never takes the second option. I hate giving plot away in reviews so I won’t. I will just say that we meet Maggsie in prison. This isn’t the first time she has been there and won’t be the last. She has become institutionalised to it. It’s a life she knows and can deal with. In prison, she knows how to act and what to expect. Fists first, consequences later. Nobody ain’t never going to stand up for Maggsie - so she’s going make damn sure she does it for herself. Bring it on! Is her attitude - Bring it on!!
But in prison she meets a friend who, via the unlikely, transformative world of ‘Woman’s World’ magazine, helps give her a start on a new perspective that she has never had before. And when she is given a ‘second chance’, and is released on probation to a halfway house, Maggsie realises she is going to have to learn all sorts of new survival skills. She is going to make mistakes. Big mistakes, the sort she can’t sort out with just her tiny, battle-hardened fists. She learns that failure can be the hardest lesson of all. And she also learns something very, very valuable indeed. Something we all learn through her eyes, and if we think we already knew it, well we learn it harder. You see Maggsie through the eyes of the judgmental world at first, and nobody in their right minds would envy her. But by the end of the book we realise just how wrong we would be not to envy her. And that is the work of a true Artist!
This is a beautifully crafted, page turning story full of vibrant characters a great plot and like the best of stories do – it gives us all encouragement to make our own world more beautiful - in how we look at people, how we deal and interact with people who are different to ourselves. And, perhaps, most importantly, how we are able to help people who desperately need it, but aren’t able to articulate it, or at least try to!
Like all the best of adventures again, ‘Maggsie McNaughton’s Second Chance’ will leave you invigorated, exhilarated, your heart pumping and your eyes not just wind moistened. You’ll close the cover of the book, desperate to meet the people again sometime soon, and feeling just that little bit better about the world - Fortified with a dose of that most precious of tonics. Hope!
You may gather I recommend this one! And I also apologise for the overuse of the word ‘World’ – I don’t have Frances Maynard’s gifts!
October 23, 2024
Yay! I completed my 2024 challenge with a 5 star book.
I honestly can’t believe this book only has 400 ratings. Everyone run to the shops and get it.
It’s rare I fall in love with a book persona but Maggsie is just so lovable.
I honestly can’t believe this book only has 400 ratings. Everyone run to the shops and get it.
It’s rare I fall in love with a book persona but Maggsie is just so lovable.
April 28, 2022
Beautiful
January 13, 2024
I'd say a 3.4, not too far from bumping up, but not quite there yet.
It's a good story, with believable scenarios and the main character is someone we can try to root for. However, I felt the story lacked some stronger goal and there were parts which were a bit disappointing in how they played out.
It's a good story, with believable scenarios and the main character is someone we can try to root for. However, I felt the story lacked some stronger goal and there were parts which were a bit disappointing in how they played out.
July 20, 2019
What a wonderful character Frances Maynard has created here! Maggsie McNaughton is not your average woman. With a tough childhood and a prison sentence behind her, she determines to grab hold of a second chance that comes her way. As Maggsie battles to improve her lot in life, she becomes embroiled in some rather interesting situations. You can't help but root for her throughout, and I barely put the book down once I'd started. A very engaging story with fresh and interesting characters. I can definitely see myself revisiting this uplifting book in the future.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2019
I saw this book on the new releases section in the library and picked it up on a whim but am so glad that I did. It’s a story of the redemption of the main character, Maggsie, who is flawed and endearing in equal measure. Lots of the secondary characters are very colourful and I enjoyed the honesty with which Maggsie appraises them. The book had me hooked from the beginning and will not be quickly forgotten.
August 3, 2022
This book ended leaving me wanting more. I wanted to know what was going to happen to maggsie. I also knew that she was going to be just fine. This book was funny and heart breaking but also shows what determination and stream goth can do. To remind those who have issues with reading and writing and dyslexia you can still do all the things everyone else can it just means you have to problem solve more.
Hope frances Maynard writes a 3rd book
Hope frances Maynard writes a 3rd book
July 27, 2020
Another brilliant book by this author (I recently read The Seven Imperfect Rules of Elvira Carr). I couldn't put it down - Magsie is just as engaging as Elvira and the other characters are so well drawn. Without sugar-coating, Maynard knows how to draw to a satisfying conclusion.
July 4, 2019
I adored Maggsie - a refreshingly different heroine - and I liked this story very much.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2019
I loved this down to earth, funny, quirky and uplifting novel about Maggsie, an ex criminal, trying to start again and learn how to live life the right way. She is dyslexic, cannot read or write and finds it very hard to control her anger. She is living in supported housing and has a job at Scanda, a Danish design company in London which runs a scheme to help women like Maggsie.
The book is narrated by Maggsie throughout and we learn a lot about life through her experiences, how hard it is to do the right thing when you can't read and write, and how the pain of having to give up her baby for adoption at the age of 15 has left a gaping hole in her heart.
You see, Maggsie doesn't believe she is any good because everyone in her life has told her just that. Small, ginger and alcoholic, Maggsie has mostly only been able to survive in prison rather than navigate the outside world. Her saviour inside is a fellow prison inmate Edna who helps to teach Maggsie to read with copies of a magazine Woman's Weekly. This proves to be the turning point in Maggsie's difficult life,
The characters are bold and likeable, from the girls in the supported housing, Big Shirl, Kasia, Juicy Lucy and cat mad Trudie to probation officer Ruby and Primrose in Scanda's kitchen. But the most important character in this book besides Maggise herself is TJ, a Polish man trying to learn English and send money home for his wife and two children. He works four jobs, including a position in Scanda's kitchens alongside Primrose and Maggsie. He gets Maggsie to teach him what his English classes can't, that is how to understand and use English slang. In return he teaches Maggsie all about London and most importantly how to do the right thing.
Not everything goes smoothly, there is a young man to rescue from electrocution in a lift on her first day, Audrey the cat who needs convincing to come out from under the shed and more seriously ex prisoner Louise who almost ruins Maggsie's hard fought battle to stay on the right side of the law.
It is wonderful how easily the reader can see the challenges Maggsie faces but isn't left feel downhearted. This book is all about how, no matter what we have done, we all deserve a second chance. Funny and uplifting, I loved this novel.
The book is narrated by Maggsie throughout and we learn a lot about life through her experiences, how hard it is to do the right thing when you can't read and write, and how the pain of having to give up her baby for adoption at the age of 15 has left a gaping hole in her heart.
You see, Maggsie doesn't believe she is any good because everyone in her life has told her just that. Small, ginger and alcoholic, Maggsie has mostly only been able to survive in prison rather than navigate the outside world. Her saviour inside is a fellow prison inmate Edna who helps to teach Maggsie to read with copies of a magazine Woman's Weekly. This proves to be the turning point in Maggsie's difficult life,
The characters are bold and likeable, from the girls in the supported housing, Big Shirl, Kasia, Juicy Lucy and cat mad Trudie to probation officer Ruby and Primrose in Scanda's kitchen. But the most important character in this book besides Maggise herself is TJ, a Polish man trying to learn English and send money home for his wife and two children. He works four jobs, including a position in Scanda's kitchens alongside Primrose and Maggsie. He gets Maggsie to teach him what his English classes can't, that is how to understand and use English slang. In return he teaches Maggsie all about London and most importantly how to do the right thing.
Not everything goes smoothly, there is a young man to rescue from electrocution in a lift on her first day, Audrey the cat who needs convincing to come out from under the shed and more seriously ex prisoner Louise who almost ruins Maggsie's hard fought battle to stay on the right side of the law.
It is wonderful how easily the reader can see the challenges Maggsie faces but isn't left feel downhearted. This book is all about how, no matter what we have done, we all deserve a second chance. Funny and uplifting, I loved this novel.
August 25, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this quirky, funny, uplifting and heart-warming read! I loved Frances Maynard's character creation of Maggsie - her persistence, drive, stubbornness and hope and I couldn't help but root for her throughout,
Primarily a novel about friendship and deserving another go in life, Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance was well worth the read, especially for the last exciting chapters.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley, at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Primarily a novel about friendship and deserving another go in life, Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance was well worth the read, especially for the last exciting chapters.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Pan Macmillan via NetGalley, at my own request. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
July 20, 2019
I loved Frances Maynard's first book, The Imperfect Rules Of Elvira Carr, so was very excited to see she had a new book out. Like her debut novel, this one is about someone living on the edge of society who overcomes challenges in order to improve their day to day life and prospects (apparently this is called UpLit?). At the start of the novel protagonist Maggsie is fresh out of jail and living in a supported house whilst working in a kitchen (is it bad that I am cynical that many of these opportunities for people to turn their lives around actually exist anymore under a Tory government? Maggsie's job is even a full time one!). She is overcoming her dyslexia and makes friends with a colleague who is new to the UK and learning English - I loved how they helped each other and how kind TJ was, a nice antidote to all the anti-immigration rhetoric spouted by the mainstream media (seems this book made me feel quite political). l can't say too much more about the plot without Spoilers, but it was fun to read and gripping at times, especially towards the end. Frances Maynard isn't afraid to write about issues that are often underrepresented, and the observations about what it's like to experience illiteracy as an adult were particularly thought-provoking. BUT, and it's a big but, which pulls this down from being a 5 star read to a 4 at most... Maggsie often wasn't very nice. It wasn't her past or her temper that made me dislike her, but instead her CONSTANT commenting on other people's appearance and shallow judgements of them based on their weight or personal grooming choices. There was a remark along those lines on almost every single page and it became very wearing and off-putting towards the end. I'm not opposed to a difficult-to-like character but this trait is one I really deplore and just couldn't get past.
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September 23, 2019Loved this book. Listened to it through local library service and the recording is well done. Uplifting and highly recommended. I feel the other reviews on Goodreads tell you more if you are interested.
November 1, 2021
Wow! I loved it. When I wasn’t reading this book, I was thinking about Maggsie and I couldn’t wait to hear more of her story.
This is how you bring characters to life. This is how you give insight and understanding into real life problems. This is a novel that will stay with me long after the final page - endearing, quirky, uplifting brilliance. 4.5 stars
This is how you bring characters to life. This is how you give insight and understanding into real life problems. This is a novel that will stay with me long after the final page - endearing, quirky, uplifting brilliance. 4.5 stars
July 18, 2019
Maggsie is the kind of character you are likely to judge if you met her in real life. But as we get to know her we see how background and circumstance can affect someone's entire life. It's good to get to know Maggsie as the book continues and to root for her doing the right thing. We see Louise taking advantage and I know I was hoping against hope that Maggsie would see through her. It's heartening to see her growing in confidence as the book goes on, and learning how it feels to do the right thing. #maggsiemcnaughton #netgalley
July 2, 2019
My name is Marguerite. (...) and flowers aren't the first thing you think of when you see me.
I desperately keep searching for books similar to «Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine». I would love to experience again the same emotions I felt towards Eleanor and her complicated and messed up life. And I keep falling for the blurbs “for the fans of Eleanor Oliphant” and then get disappointed when the book doesn’t live up to my expectations.
There were two main conflicts between me and the book: the lack of emotion from my part and the lack of immersiveness from the book. So let’s discuss these first before I talk about some positive elements.
1 - I love reading books about characters that are different from me, I love experiencing with them situations I’d usually never put myself into. The differences are usually what intrigues me, but the emotions are what sucks me into the story. Maggsie McNaughton didn’t make me feel anything, except annoyance at her attitude.
Maggsie is not a lovable character, and that would be alright if I’d experience some other positive emotion towards her or her life story - respect, pride, interest, affection, or even pity. Instead, I felt like I was SUPPOSED to root for Maggsie, but couldn’t stop rolling my eyes at every outburst of her temperament or silly actions.
2 - Everyone has their own bookish pet peeves. My biggest two are (1) swear words and (2) weirdly constructed sentences. They work like a switch, immediately pulling me out of the story.
Maggsie is dyslexic. So, of course, I understand the need to portray that as part of her character, showing through dialog her struggles and also her improvements. But I found it very distracting. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Besides these two points, the rest was rather alright. Not as surprising or impressive as I hoped for, but not bad either:
1 - The highlight of the whole story for me was the friendship between Maggsie and the Polish guy, an immigrant from Poland, who was just the right character to balance out Maggsie’s imperfections - kind, eager to help, he took it upon himself to show Maggsie that life can be beautiful and interesting. Full of struggles, yes. But worth every moment nonetheless.
He was by far the most wholesome character of this book.
2 - Although I completely bashed Maggsie’s character, I have to admit that she had a few qualities that deserve some appreciation - stubbornness, and persistence. She has a goal that she wishes to accomplish. It drives her forwards and gives her hope. And maybe sometimes it felt as if she was only taking baby steps to achieve it, but those steps were huge leaps for Maggsie.
August 26, 2019
I wasn't expecting to love this but it was brilliant. I enjoyed it, I laughed and I cried. I swore and hoped things would't happen but they did. An unexpected hit for me.
August 1, 2020
Frances Maynard expertly handles the subject of dyslexia and low literacy to create an unexpectedly delightful character the reader is soon rooting for. The first person narrative from Maggsie a defensive former convict with anger management issues is brilliantly crafted without relying on ugly prose or profanity which I don't particularly enjoy reading, personally. Maynard still manages to write believable dialogue and through addressing the reader directly, Maggsie expresses herself in the way she would if having to talk to more educated or so-called respectable folk she imagines having a book in their hand.
I found both poignancy and humour in this novel, so a satisfying read and a writer I would definitely read again.
I found both poignancy and humour in this novel, so a satisfying read and a writer I would definitely read again.
October 2, 2019
Oh Maggsie! Though I am definitely one of the people you scoff about who loves a good, long book, I won’t hold it against you. I LOVED this book. Positive, uplifting and funny, it’s the best book I’ve listened to for a while. Great for fans of Eleanor Olliphant, quirky, well-crafted character driven fiction.
Maggsie is unapologetically herself. Once a kid from a bleak place, she’s now an adult trying to find hope, despite a crushing lack of self esteem and an all-too-recent criminal record. This book explores some heavy topics with a gentle touch. Maynard overtly questions and challenges her readers to look at their own assumptions and prejudices without getting preachy. Using Maggsie’s blunt vernacular she gives her readers a real serve (and we likely deserve it). If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “geez why can’t they just get jobs?” or “what’s so hard about filling in a form?!”, you need to read this book.
Maggsie is unapologetically herself. Once a kid from a bleak place, she’s now an adult trying to find hope, despite a crushing lack of self esteem and an all-too-recent criminal record. This book explores some heavy topics with a gentle touch. Maynard overtly questions and challenges her readers to look at their own assumptions and prejudices without getting preachy. Using Maggsie’s blunt vernacular she gives her readers a real serve (and we likely deserve it). If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking “geez why can’t they just get jobs?” or “what’s so hard about filling in a form?!”, you need to read this book.
May 9, 2019
A novel that reassures you that, when things aren’t going your way, there’s a door to be opened to a better and deserved tomorrow.
Maggie is a delightfully-crafted character who can make you stare wide-eyed at the page or tighten your muscles as you root for things to work out for her despite mistakes she might make.
Once again, Frances Maynard kicks off with a powerful start that makes you want to run to the next page and the one after, right on the conclusion.
It is insightful and empathetic and reminds you of the tough starts in life some people have, through no fault of their own. Maggsie will open eyes into the trip-ups of dyslexia. Beautifully written.
Maggie is a delightfully-crafted character who can make you stare wide-eyed at the page or tighten your muscles as you root for things to work out for her despite mistakes she might make.
Once again, Frances Maynard kicks off with a powerful start that makes you want to run to the next page and the one after, right on the conclusion.
It is insightful and empathetic and reminds you of the tough starts in life some people have, through no fault of their own. Maggsie will open eyes into the trip-ups of dyslexia. Beautifully written.
July 17, 2020
This was a really sweet read about a woman desperate for a second chance. I really enjoyed the way it was written so the reader could really hear Maggsie’s thoughts, her feelings and really get inside her head. Her kind nature comes out through her caring of the stray cat - Audrey - and her unusual friendship with her colleague TJ. This is my first novel by Frances Maynard and I’ll certainly be reading more. It says in her bio that she lives in Dorset, which is my home county and it always makes me happy to hear my home town of Poole mentioned in a book.
April 11, 2021
Brilliant book! best book that I have read for a long time. The characters are very believable and the plot is original.
I couldn`t put it down !
Frances Maynard has taught young people with special needs and her knowledge and experience shines through.
Maggsie is very likeable. I soon wanted the best for her and was totally gripped by this beautiful story.
I couldn`t put it down !
Frances Maynard has taught young people with special needs and her knowledge and experience shines through.
Maggsie is very likeable. I soon wanted the best for her and was totally gripped by this beautiful story.
April 29, 2021
I loved this book! Maggsie is a great character and you cannot help but will her on to a better future and to stop beating herself up. The story of starting a second chance is told from her point of view and is so insightful. Beautifully uplifting without and sickly sentimentality. I didn't want it to end.
January 15, 2020
I really want to like this book, I really do. So I’m not going to review it and I’m going to re-read it next year in the hope I can, then, appreciate it; but for now I will simply dislike it and feel a bit ashamed at my distaste and worry that such a novel should have ever been published.
February 28, 2021
More 'edgy' than the previous book by this author, and quite suspenseful. I enjoyed the voice of the narrator and how the first person narration enables the reader to experience her point of view and circumstances.
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