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The M Word
Moya. The M Word. Whisper it. Conceal it. But please, never mention it...
Maggie Yates talks to her best friend Moya every day.
She tells her about Maggie's mum losing her job. She tells her that Mum's taken to not opening the curtains and crying in secret. And she tells her about how she plans to cheer Mum up - find her a fella with a bit of cash to splash.
Moya is with her every step of the way. You're surfing a rainbow if you think someone like that exists round here, she smiles. But I'll help.
But at the back of her mind Maggie knows that Mum's crying is more than sadness. That there are no easy fixes. And that Moya's not really there. Because though she talks to her every day, Moya died months ago ...
An unforgettable novel about grief and healing from Costa and Irish Book Award winner Brian Conaghan.
Maggie Yates talks to her best friend Moya every day.
She tells her about Maggie's mum losing her job. She tells her that Mum's taken to not opening the curtains and crying in secret. And she tells her about how she plans to cheer Mum up - find her a fella with a bit of cash to splash.
Moya is with her every step of the way. You're surfing a rainbow if you think someone like that exists round here, she smiles. But I'll help.
But at the back of her mind Maggie knows that Mum's crying is more than sadness. That there are no easy fixes. And that Moya's not really there. Because though she talks to her every day, Moya died months ago ...
An unforgettable novel about grief and healing from Costa and Irish Book Award winner Brian Conaghan.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
5 people are currently reading
265 people want to read
About the author
Brian Conaghan
15 books97 followersBrian Conaghan lives and works in the Scottish town of Coatbridge. He has a Master of Letters in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow, and worked as a teacher for many years. His novel When Mr Dog Bites was shortlisted for the 2015 CILIP Carnegie Medal. The Bombs That Brought Us Together won the 2016 Costa Children’s Book Award, The Weight of a Thousand Feathers won the 2018 Irish Book Award for Teen/YA Book of the Year, and We Come Apart, a verse novel co-authored with Carnegie Medal-winner Sarah Crossan, won the 2018 UKLA Book Award. Cardboard Cowboys, Brian’s first middle-grade novel, published in 2021 and is full of his trademark heart, humour and crackling dialogue. Swimming on the Moon is his second middle-grade novel. @ConaghanAuthor
@BrianConaghan
@BrianConaghan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 17, 2020
Maggie has never had much, she isn't wealthy, her single mother yells at her at every opportunity and she's never snogged anyone. The one thing she's always had is Moya Burns, her best friend. While Moya lives a carefree life, she's not all that interested in school and prefers a good old snog and shag, she's always relied on Maggie. Until she doesn't. Now Moya talks to Maggie through a manky old bear, dishing out advice on finding her mum a bloke or to stop being a tosser.
Attending her counselling sessions isn't any better, Maggie scoffing at the new age mediation and loved up approach of Anna, her grief counsellor. Maggie's coping, barely. So when her tuck shop lady mum loses her job and sole income, Maggie watches her mum deteriorate much in the same way as Moya did. She chain smokes, has boarded herself inside and pitches a fit when the curtains are drawn, willing to clobber Maggie at the mere suggestion of opening a window. Maggie's mum has depression and the bad days are outweighing the good lately, which is driving Maggie deeper into a pit of grief and self harm.
Maggie's narrative is harrowing, she's trying to gather her life together after the death of her best friend. She hears Moya speaking though and old tattered teddy bear she carries as a protective shield. It's always been Maggie and Moya against the world but while Moya cycled through skint, tracksuit clad boyfriends, Maggie knew the only way to escape their suburban shithole was to make something of her life.
As Maggie is accepted into art school, Moya continues her snarky commentary by invading Maggie's thoughts. When she's placed in a group assignment with Plum, her boyfriend and Davis, who Maggie begins crushing on, Moya is there, egging her on, giving her useless advice but she helps Maggie to feel not so alone. The night that Moya died, Maggie begun to self harm as a distraction from the pain of losing her friend. As her mum loses her job and with little welfare to make ends meet, Maggie's mum locks herself away in a house of stale cigarette smoke and trashy reality television. When the ache becomes too much, Maggie cuts.
Although we only see Moya through Maggie's perception, her character is larger than life. She's rough around the edges and wouldn't hesitate to knock you into next week but she loves Maggie, hiding her feelings between crass jokes and snarky comments. Fractures start to form in Moya's character as Maggie considers applying to art school. Moya felt as though she's being left behind, picking up with another tracksuit clad tosser who treats her like shit. Moya wants to be loved, deserved to be loved and assholes seemingly used and abused her, her casual boyfriend posting photos on Instagram without her consent, the comments and abuse coming thick and fast. Moya tried shaking it off, pretending she didn't care. She did. Maggie blames herself, if only she'd been there, if only she said something, if only Moya had still relied on her.
The storyline is confronting and packs an emotional punch. Poverty, suicide, depression, grief, toxic relationships, abuse and self harm. Many of these issues go hand in hand and Brian Conaghan has skilfully layered them throughout the storyline to create genuine characters who endure and survive what are ultimately shit circumstances, illness and hardship. They're flawed, genuine and most importantly, relatable. I loved the bright moments in Maggie's life, when she remembers Moya, sitting in the bath together removing their public hair, Moya's politically incorrect commentary, meeting Davis, her new and very unassuming friend Plum wanting to call their band The Flaps, Maggie and Davis setting her mum up with a man without her knowledge and while of course I don't condone catfishing, the misguided experience brought Maggie and Davis together.
This is by no means a love cures all storyline, actually love just makes Maggie's life more complicated, it drove home the message of how important emotional support can be. I loved grief counsellor Anna. Even as often as Maggie scoffed at her methods and lashed out at her, she was patient and showed an incredible amount of kindness. She also wasn't afraid to tell Maggie a few home truths when push came to shove.
It was bloody brilliant. I'm always a little sceptical when it comes to male authors writing about the teen girl experience, yes, yes, sexism and that but it felt incredibly authentic. Maggie could be a girl that lived next door, sat behind me in class, she's a girl I would have been friends with, I even see parts of myself reflected in Maggie.
Borrow a copy, buy a copy and ditch that tracksuit clad boyfriend and read it. While you're in the bath removing your pubic hair if that's you're thing. This is what young adult is about.
Attending her counselling sessions isn't any better, Maggie scoffing at the new age mediation and loved up approach of Anna, her grief counsellor. Maggie's coping, barely. So when her tuck shop lady mum loses her job and sole income, Maggie watches her mum deteriorate much in the same way as Moya did. She chain smokes, has boarded herself inside and pitches a fit when the curtains are drawn, willing to clobber Maggie at the mere suggestion of opening a window. Maggie's mum has depression and the bad days are outweighing the good lately, which is driving Maggie deeper into a pit of grief and self harm.
Maggie's narrative is harrowing, she's trying to gather her life together after the death of her best friend. She hears Moya speaking though and old tattered teddy bear she carries as a protective shield. It's always been Maggie and Moya against the world but while Moya cycled through skint, tracksuit clad boyfriends, Maggie knew the only way to escape their suburban shithole was to make something of her life.
As Maggie is accepted into art school, Moya continues her snarky commentary by invading Maggie's thoughts. When she's placed in a group assignment with Plum, her boyfriend and Davis, who Maggie begins crushing on, Moya is there, egging her on, giving her useless advice but she helps Maggie to feel not so alone. The night that Moya died, Maggie begun to self harm as a distraction from the pain of losing her friend. As her mum loses her job and with little welfare to make ends meet, Maggie's mum locks herself away in a house of stale cigarette smoke and trashy reality television. When the ache becomes too much, Maggie cuts.
Although we only see Moya through Maggie's perception, her character is larger than life. She's rough around the edges and wouldn't hesitate to knock you into next week but she loves Maggie, hiding her feelings between crass jokes and snarky comments. Fractures start to form in Moya's character as Maggie considers applying to art school. Moya felt as though she's being left behind, picking up with another tracksuit clad tosser who treats her like shit. Moya wants to be loved, deserved to be loved and assholes seemingly used and abused her, her casual boyfriend posting photos on Instagram without her consent, the comments and abuse coming thick and fast. Moya tried shaking it off, pretending she didn't care. She did. Maggie blames herself, if only she'd been there, if only she said something, if only Moya had still relied on her.
The storyline is confronting and packs an emotional punch. Poverty, suicide, depression, grief, toxic relationships, abuse and self harm. Many of these issues go hand in hand and Brian Conaghan has skilfully layered them throughout the storyline to create genuine characters who endure and survive what are ultimately shit circumstances, illness and hardship. They're flawed, genuine and most importantly, relatable. I loved the bright moments in Maggie's life, when she remembers Moya, sitting in the bath together removing their public hair, Moya's politically incorrect commentary, meeting Davis, her new and very unassuming friend Plum wanting to call their band The Flaps, Maggie and Davis setting her mum up with a man without her knowledge and while of course I don't condone catfishing, the misguided experience brought Maggie and Davis together.
This is by no means a love cures all storyline, actually love just makes Maggie's life more complicated, it drove home the message of how important emotional support can be. I loved grief counsellor Anna. Even as often as Maggie scoffed at her methods and lashed out at her, she was patient and showed an incredible amount of kindness. She also wasn't afraid to tell Maggie a few home truths when push came to shove.
It was bloody brilliant. I'm always a little sceptical when it comes to male authors writing about the teen girl experience, yes, yes, sexism and that but it felt incredibly authentic. Maggie could be a girl that lived next door, sat behind me in class, she's a girl I would have been friends with, I even see parts of myself reflected in Maggie.
Borrow a copy, buy a copy and ditch that tracksuit clad boyfriend and read it. While you're in the bath removing your pubic hair if that's you're thing. This is what young adult is about.
December 25, 2019
2.75
This was not my cup of tea. It took me a while to get into the writing style because it's filled with slang and accent.. I totally get authors who try to make a story authentic by bringing in local slang and style but it's also just annoying to read when every page contains a bunch of gibberish words (to you).
The story does represent mental health
issues in a chaotic way that seems very real and it does have a "something" that made me want to know more - even when I wasn't enjoying the book.
This was not my cup of tea. It took me a while to get into the writing style because it's filled with slang and accent.. I totally get authors who try to make a story authentic by bringing in local slang and style but it's also just annoying to read when every page contains a bunch of gibberish words (to you).
The story does represent mental health
issues in a chaotic way that seems very real and it does have a "something" that made me want to know more - even when I wasn't enjoying the book.
March 1, 2021
Rep: character with depression
CWs: graphic self harm, suicidal ideation, past suicide
CWs: graphic self harm, suicidal ideation, past suicide
Read
April 10, 2020Ugh other than the cover and the name of the book (M being my favourite alphabet of all) this book just couldn't hold my attention!
DNF. Too bad... I really wanted to love it as much as I loved the cover.
DNF. Too bad... I really wanted to love it as much as I loved the cover.
October 1, 2019
Thank you so much to Bloomsbury Australia for providing me with a copy of The M Word, in exchange for an honest review.
Maggie is trying to cope after losing her best friend Moya. Her Mum is going through a rough time too and their financial situation is looking worse by the day. Maggie doesn’t want to share too much with her therapist, she just wants to talk to Moya, so she does.
With subjects such as grief, depression, self harm, anxiety and suicide woven deep into the story, The M Word was at times a difficult read. The street style slang used throughout the book took me a minute to get my head around (me, an Aussie, getting me head around slang? I know.) but once I did, I loved what it added to the story. It somehow made it more real, the characters a little more relatable.
Watching Maggie battle through her grief, while trying to prop up her Mum, who was drowning in her own mental heath issues, was harrowing. The style of writing really made me feel as though I was inside Maggie’s head, it was almost like reading someone’s diary.
This book was a really interesting one I’m glad I read. If you’re looking for a YA read that’s raw and heart wrenching, give this one a try. I probably wouldn’t be comfortable recommending this one to younger YA readers though and I would suggest going in with caution if you have a history of self harming.
Maggie is trying to cope after losing her best friend Moya. Her Mum is going through a rough time too and their financial situation is looking worse by the day. Maggie doesn’t want to share too much with her therapist, she just wants to talk to Moya, so she does.
With subjects such as grief, depression, self harm, anxiety and suicide woven deep into the story, The M Word was at times a difficult read. The street style slang used throughout the book took me a minute to get my head around (me, an Aussie, getting me head around slang? I know.) but once I did, I loved what it added to the story. It somehow made it more real, the characters a little more relatable.
Watching Maggie battle through her grief, while trying to prop up her Mum, who was drowning in her own mental heath issues, was harrowing. The style of writing really made me feel as though I was inside Maggie’s head, it was almost like reading someone’s diary.
This book was a really interesting one I’m glad I read. If you’re looking for a YA read that’s raw and heart wrenching, give this one a try. I probably wouldn’t be comfortable recommending this one to younger YA readers though and I would suggest going in with caution if you have a history of self harming.
January 18, 2021
Dnf @ 50% ish.
I couldn't get in to the writing. The weird accent the writer was trying to make just didn't do it for me..
The story felt flat. Almost halfway through and nothing had happened..
Main character annoyed me. Side characters where also boring. The premise sounded interesting but this is just not a book for me..
I couldn't get in to the writing. The weird accent the writer was trying to make just didn't do it for me..
The story felt flat. Almost halfway through and nothing had happened..
Main character annoyed me. Side characters where also boring. The premise sounded interesting but this is just not a book for me..
December 21, 2021
Beautiful Amazing Everything a book should be
October 31, 2019
Review can also be found at Snow White Hates Apples.
Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! The M Word by Brian Conaghan is available at all good bookstores.
A headache and half a heartbreak to read, The M Word by Brian Conaghan is a raw, cutting interpretation of what it’s like to have depression and live with someone with depression—all while coping with guilt and grief.
The language used to narrate this story is largely vulgar and angry. It can be off-putting for some (and it was for me, until I got used to it), but this perfectly reflects where Maggie stands during those moments of her life. It does soften near the end, though, coming hand-in-hand with her gradual moving on.
Another thing about the language is that it isn’t standard English. There is a lot of slang and other distinctive linguistic features that I don’t often come across in Young Adult fiction. Therefore, combining this with the vulgar/angry language meant that I (as someone who doesn’t use this form of non-standard English) needed to put more effort in reading and understanding so honestly, it gave me a headache. However, this usage of slang and other distinctive linguistic features is fortunately, done naturally and not like those “let’s sprinkle a few foreign words and call it a day” books.
Moving on, I think the pacing of the book is perfect for the first three quarters. It can be slow for some, but the amount of time created here is a suitable period during which Maggie is struggling. The pacing for the final quarter, however, is too fast. The ending appeared rushed, although it was clear that it was coming. I also found the final quarter to be too abrupt because I spent 3/4 of this book feeling like Maggie’s barely making any progress only for her to suddenly decide that that’s enough.
I know that this can perhaps be viewed as Maggie having an epiphany of sorts and there should be a moment when this occurs—but, the process of her reaching that epiphany and deciding (and attempting) to reach for that light at the end of the tunnel should be a little more drawn out. Speaking from personal experience, bouncing back and returning to what the average society deems as ‘normal’ is very difficult when you’re in a situation like Maggie’s.
With that said, The M Word is perhaps one of the most relatable books that I have read so far in my life. Language-wise, it was a little difficult for me. Story-wise, I found it powerful.
Thank you so much Pansing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! The M Word by Brian Conaghan is available at all good bookstores.
A headache and half a heartbreak to read, The M Word by Brian Conaghan is a raw, cutting interpretation of what it’s like to have depression and live with someone with depression—all while coping with guilt and grief.
The language used to narrate this story is largely vulgar and angry. It can be off-putting for some (and it was for me, until I got used to it), but this perfectly reflects where Maggie stands during those moments of her life. It does soften near the end, though, coming hand-in-hand with her gradual moving on.
Another thing about the language is that it isn’t standard English. There is a lot of slang and other distinctive linguistic features that I don’t often come across in Young Adult fiction. Therefore, combining this with the vulgar/angry language meant that I (as someone who doesn’t use this form of non-standard English) needed to put more effort in reading and understanding so honestly, it gave me a headache. However, this usage of slang and other distinctive linguistic features is fortunately, done naturally and not like those “let’s sprinkle a few foreign words and call it a day” books.
Moving on, I think the pacing of the book is perfect for the first three quarters. It can be slow for some, but the amount of time created here is a suitable period during which Maggie is struggling. The pacing for the final quarter, however, is too fast. The ending appeared rushed, although it was clear that it was coming. I also found the final quarter to be too abrupt because I spent 3/4 of this book feeling like Maggie’s barely making any progress only for her to suddenly decide that that’s enough.
I know that this can perhaps be viewed as Maggie having an epiphany of sorts and there should be a moment when this occurs—but, the process of her reaching that epiphany and deciding (and attempting) to reach for that light at the end of the tunnel should be a little more drawn out. Speaking from personal experience, bouncing back and returning to what the average society deems as ‘normal’ is very difficult when you’re in a situation like Maggie’s.
With that said, The M Word is perhaps one of the most relatable books that I have read so far in my life. Language-wise, it was a little difficult for me. Story-wise, I found it powerful.
September 21, 2020
3.5/5
i won’t lie— it seriously took me a good while to get into this book. not to say it wasn’t interesting, i almost DNFed it but i’m glad i didn’t.
brian conaghan perfectly captures the stages of grief in this novel: how we try to hold on to whatever is left of someone who has left us, feeling an empty feeling, blaming ourselves for their death and wishing we’d done more to stop them before time ran out.
at first, i wasn’t the fondest of maggie. she’s not exactly a likeable person. however, i do think it would lead to later sympathy with her— how she felt that she was unable to share her burden with others. she’s a realistic character, who acknowledges that she isn’t always perfect, not someone who has no flaws like many other YA novels i’ve read throughout the years.
her growth in the whole book was remarkable, i was left with a completely different impression of her than i had at the start of the book.
i guess my one complaint was... davis? i never really understood the purpose of him being a love interest, other than it being done for the sake of it. in the end, nothing even happened and it feels so... unresolved? are we just not going to know what happens to maggie and him??? honestly, i would’ve preferred if their relationship (or lack thereof) just remained platonic.
i won’t lie— it seriously took me a good while to get into this book. not to say it wasn’t interesting, i almost DNFed it but i’m glad i didn’t.
brian conaghan perfectly captures the stages of grief in this novel: how we try to hold on to whatever is left of someone who has left us, feeling an empty feeling, blaming ourselves for their death and wishing we’d done more to stop them before time ran out.
at first, i wasn’t the fondest of maggie. she’s not exactly a likeable person. however, i do think it would lead to later sympathy with her— how she felt that she was unable to share her burden with others. she’s a realistic character, who acknowledges that she isn’t always perfect, not someone who has no flaws like many other YA novels i’ve read throughout the years.
her growth in the whole book was remarkable, i was left with a completely different impression of her than i had at the start of the book.
i guess my one complaint was... davis? i never really understood the purpose of him being a love interest, other than it being done for the sake of it. in the end, nothing even happened and it feels so... unresolved? are we just not going to know what happens to maggie and him??? honestly, i would’ve preferred if their relationship (or lack thereof) just remained platonic.
March 13, 2023
don’t really like the accent the author is trying to go for, found the main character quite annoying, not great the first few chapters and i struggled to get into it, but the last 100 pages were good.
November 25, 2019
*1.5 stars*
October 2, 2019
This is an unforgettable story about grief, mental illness and taking all that into account to move on towards the future. To looking forward to what life has to offer for Maggie's next chapter of her life. Its filled with hopeful and uplifting messages that might just benefit the readers when they pick this book up.
Maggie was going through so much and it gets too overwhelming that she had to do something that she herself knows that she shouldn't do. She lost her best friend and I cannot imagine how losing a loved one must feel like and she has to step up and take charge of her life with the current state that is her mom who is also going through a tough time. Its up to her to turn the situation around for the better.
Even though it was the case with her mom as she found a man in her life but I'm glad that wasn't really the case for Maggie. It proves and shows that it doesn't mean that the appearance of a man to be by your side, suddenly all the bad shadows and demons would just miraculously go away. It focuses solely on Maggie, her growth and how she flew beyond all of the things that could get to her just to bring her down. And I find that to be really amazing and empowering. The perfect message to convey to the readers.
I went into this book without any expectations but at the end, it left me feeling hopeful and even though it may be a tough story, it didn't make me feel down. Instead, it makes me feel the total opposite. Seek help when you need it, talk to someone about what you feel, share your thoughts, live a little, reconnect with the people around you, start up a band and look how life would fare for you then because it may just be for the best.
Maggie was going through so much and it gets too overwhelming that she had to do something that she herself knows that she shouldn't do. She lost her best friend and I cannot imagine how losing a loved one must feel like and she has to step up and take charge of her life with the current state that is her mom who is also going through a tough time. Its up to her to turn the situation around for the better.
Even though it was the case with her mom as she found a man in her life but I'm glad that wasn't really the case for Maggie. It proves and shows that it doesn't mean that the appearance of a man to be by your side, suddenly all the bad shadows and demons would just miraculously go away. It focuses solely on Maggie, her growth and how she flew beyond all of the things that could get to her just to bring her down. And I find that to be really amazing and empowering. The perfect message to convey to the readers.
I went into this book without any expectations but at the end, it left me feeling hopeful and even though it may be a tough story, it didn't make me feel down. Instead, it makes me feel the total opposite. Seek help when you need it, talk to someone about what you feel, share your thoughts, live a little, reconnect with the people around you, start up a band and look how life would fare for you then because it may just be for the best.
August 19, 2020
TW : death, poverty, suicide, self harm
The M Word is an almost chaotic take on a teenage girl’s battle through poverty and grief. This is an uncomfortable read, though this is due to the realistic and disjointed storytelling which Conaghan does to express Maggie’s struggles with her mental health and the grief process.
At times, his use of dialect and slang can be off putting, making Maggie’s voice seem forced though this seems to lessen as the story goes on. The book appeared to be set in Glasgow – or at least, held many mentions of it, however a lot of the slang and dialect made it seem Irish, in nature which can appear conflicting. This, coupled with Maggie’s conflicting streetwise behaviour and naivety surrounding sex does make her a difficult character to truly bond with.
The novel has very little progression towards the start of the book and the occasional connection to Moya through a stuffed lamb seems childlike at times, but the story itself is a clever exploration of poverty, classicism and grief, while sparing the reader from the darker details.
Many parts of the novel could be considered triggering but the novel does state that this is not for a younger audience. It may not be a novel to reread over and over, but it certainly does make the reader think.
The M Word is an almost chaotic take on a teenage girl’s battle through poverty and grief. This is an uncomfortable read, though this is due to the realistic and disjointed storytelling which Conaghan does to express Maggie’s struggles with her mental health and the grief process.
At times, his use of dialect and slang can be off putting, making Maggie’s voice seem forced though this seems to lessen as the story goes on. The book appeared to be set in Glasgow – or at least, held many mentions of it, however a lot of the slang and dialect made it seem Irish, in nature which can appear conflicting. This, coupled with Maggie’s conflicting streetwise behaviour and naivety surrounding sex does make her a difficult character to truly bond with.
The novel has very little progression towards the start of the book and the occasional connection to Moya through a stuffed lamb seems childlike at times, but the story itself is a clever exploration of poverty, classicism and grief, while sparing the reader from the darker details.
Many parts of the novel could be considered triggering but the novel does state that this is not for a younger audience. It may not be a novel to reread over and over, but it certainly does make the reader think.
December 20, 2019
Interesting
July 13, 2020
This book is written in the first person narrative style and Maggie is the narrator. She is in her late teens ending off her school years and moving into her field of choice that she will study at college.
At home it is Mum, her and Moya - a best friend...
Maggie is a typical loud, angry, confused, teen with a huge heart and loads of tenderness she battles to reveal. Circumstances have not been kind to Maggie, and in fact life and general is not kind to Maggie, or her mum, but as you journey with her through her life, her grief and sorrow and her coping, you become an integral part of her and her healing. You cannot stop reading.
Sometimes you love her, her thinking and her humour so intensely. At other times she reviles you, makes you feel frightened and scared at what human beings are capable of doing, both to others and to themselves...
But despite her anger and brashness she is forever hopeful and begins to recognise her own strength in the strength she witnesses in her mum. With her growing realisation of how she can move forward, you the reader, are filled with smiles and satisfaction...
I loved the family dynamics and the growth in Mum and Maggie and the intro of Ian and Davis. I loved the music woven like a rich tapestry into the story connecting emotions and lives.
Having met Brian Conaghan at the SLA Weekend Course in 2018 in Glasgow and listened to him share about his writing and hear him do a reading from his then new book "The Weight of Feather", he has become a favourite author of mine. His writing is crass and cuts to the chase without any frills but it connects right to the heart and tugs at those heartstrings.
"So my fearsome friend, ask time to stand still ...
sleep sound, beautiful you, bathed in eternal rest..."
At home it is Mum, her and Moya - a best friend...
Maggie is a typical loud, angry, confused, teen with a huge heart and loads of tenderness she battles to reveal. Circumstances have not been kind to Maggie, and in fact life and general is not kind to Maggie, or her mum, but as you journey with her through her life, her grief and sorrow and her coping, you become an integral part of her and her healing. You cannot stop reading.
Sometimes you love her, her thinking and her humour so intensely. At other times she reviles you, makes you feel frightened and scared at what human beings are capable of doing, both to others and to themselves...
But despite her anger and brashness she is forever hopeful and begins to recognise her own strength in the strength she witnesses in her mum. With her growing realisation of how she can move forward, you the reader, are filled with smiles and satisfaction...
I loved the family dynamics and the growth in Mum and Maggie and the intro of Ian and Davis. I loved the music woven like a rich tapestry into the story connecting emotions and lives.
Having met Brian Conaghan at the SLA Weekend Course in 2018 in Glasgow and listened to him share about his writing and hear him do a reading from his then new book "The Weight of Feather", he has become a favourite author of mine. His writing is crass and cuts to the chase without any frills but it connects right to the heart and tugs at those heartstrings.
"So my fearsome friend, ask time to stand still ...
sleep sound, beautiful you, bathed in eternal rest..."
August 3, 2023
I read The M Word as part of my Masters course - the focus was on how YA fiction deals with important social and emotional issues. In the case of this novel, grief and healing are the main themes in the novel, but there are important messages about family relationships, the power of friendship, poverty, and the choices that we make in life.
Maggie wants to help make her mum happy as she seems to spend her days crying and is struggling to get out of the front door. Maggie tells her best friend Moya that perhaps a new man in her mum's life will help her to feel better - someone who will treat her mum and "splash the cash" a bit on her.
Importantly, it is not only Maggie's mum who is struggling - Maggie speaks to Moya through her teddy bear as Moya died months before this, and Maggie is clearly struggling to come to terms with the grief of losing her best friend.
I have to admit that this book was hard to read because of the sheer rawness of the main themes - coping with grief and loss is terribly difficult and as a teacher, I do see the impact that loss has on young people. The depiction of mental health and the devastating effect that poor mental health can have on a person, and their family, was also very vividly portrayed. It made the book very emotive and as a reader, I was reflecting a great deal on the struggles that these characters faced. The ending did come quite abruptly and I wasn't entirely sold on that; however, it was perhaps the fact that Maggie had the realisation that her life is for living and that moving forward is the only way to go, that prompted such a quick change.
I would recommend this book, but it is a tough read in terms of content and language, so be prepared for that. Very relatable and emotive, which did make it worthwhile.
Maggie wants to help make her mum happy as she seems to spend her days crying and is struggling to get out of the front door. Maggie tells her best friend Moya that perhaps a new man in her mum's life will help her to feel better - someone who will treat her mum and "splash the cash" a bit on her.
Importantly, it is not only Maggie's mum who is struggling - Maggie speaks to Moya through her teddy bear as Moya died months before this, and Maggie is clearly struggling to come to terms with the grief of losing her best friend.
I have to admit that this book was hard to read because of the sheer rawness of the main themes - coping with grief and loss is terribly difficult and as a teacher, I do see the impact that loss has on young people. The depiction of mental health and the devastating effect that poor mental health can have on a person, and their family, was also very vividly portrayed. It made the book very emotive and as a reader, I was reflecting a great deal on the struggles that these characters faced. The ending did come quite abruptly and I wasn't entirely sold on that; however, it was perhaps the fact that Maggie had the realisation that her life is for living and that moving forward is the only way to go, that prompted such a quick change.
I would recommend this book, but it is a tough read in terms of content and language, so be prepared for that. Very relatable and emotive, which did make it worthwhile.
September 22, 2019
This is not a comfortable read. Maggie Yates talks to her best friend every day, telling her about her new course at the art college, about her mum's depression, about the band she's just joined and the bass player she rather likes. Except that Moya is dead ... and Maggie can't get her out of her head. She blames herself for what happened, for letting Moya get involved with somebody who abused her, for not taking her seriously about the online trolling, for not being there when her friend needed her ...
A hard-hitting novel about friendship, depression, bullying, abuse, self harm and suicide, Definitely YA as it also contains a lot of swearing. It also has a great prologue that pulls the reader in.
A hard-hitting novel about friendship, depression, bullying, abuse, self harm and suicide, Definitely YA as it also contains a lot of swearing. It also has a great prologue that pulls the reader in.
September 26, 2019
Wow. I just finished this book seconds ago and I’m speechless. Such sensitive topics of depression, anxiety and suicide are mentioned but portrayed in such a raw and real situation. It really gets you thinking about what your friends and family around you are possibly going through. We’ve all been through hard times but reaching out to those around you really is a big help and you should never be afraid to. Maggie is such a sassie little character but the further you get through the book, the more she develops and matures. Hardships do change people and it’s up to you whether it’s for the better or for worse.
January 18, 2022
This wasn't really a book I would have picked myself so when i was given this and started to read it I really wasn't sure if I was going to finish it.
The writing and slang is hard to follow.
I have so many feelings about how the main character.
It was hard to read. I wanted to help Maggie and her mum. I found it very frustrating to read.
There was lovely moments nearing the end between her and her mum, her new friends and even the support of her mum's boyfriend.
All in all I'm glad I read it but I'm also glad I'm finished reading it.
The writing and slang is hard to follow.
I have so many feelings about how the main character.
It was hard to read. I wanted to help Maggie and her mum. I found it very frustrating to read.
There was lovely moments nearing the end between her and her mum, her new friends and even the support of her mum's boyfriend.
All in all I'm glad I read it but I'm also glad I'm finished reading it.
November 3, 2019
Tackles some tough issues with humour and charm. Lots of interesting musical references that would have the teenage me racing to explore them. And it’s always great to have a book set in Scotland. It’s well written and has hope, it’s a little too neatly tied up for me and I think deep down I wanted to know more about Moya. Overall, a good read!
January 23, 2024
A book about female misery by a man who’s never experienced it before. The use of slang was interesting but made it feel outdated and cringy even to me - so god knows how an actual 16 year old would find it - and the story was cliche and predictable. Sorry mate; your mum putting your arm around your shoulders in front of daytime tv doesn’t make your depression go away. neither does finding a boyfriend.
November 4, 2019
A gut-wrenching read that made me feel so many things. From hate to anger to an uncontrollable sobbing mess. It was a literal roller coaster ride but I’m not regretting. This book deserves more than five stars. It has my entire heart. Thank you Brian Conaghan!
November 6, 2020
This book has an incredible storyline, with brilliantly written experiences of depression and self harm, however the style of writing wasn’t for me. It was very informal and written in the style you would talk.
July 14, 2024
The unhappy story of a self-harming young girl being raised in poverty by her depressive mother and having lost her best friend to suicide.
So you can see its not going to be a bundle of laughs, but there is still some speck of humour to be found and some hope of redemption at the end.
So you can see its not going to be a bundle of laughs, but there is still some speck of humour to be found and some hope of redemption at the end.
October 28, 2019
Too crude for me.
July 19, 2020
Hard-hitting YA that left me breathless at times.
February 5, 2021
Awesome
July 13, 2021
There was some plot holes still a great book.
August 21, 2021
Holy fuck this was some dark shit
Yes I did cry at least five times during the three hours it took me to read it
Yes I did love it though
Yes I did cry at least five times during the three hours it took me to read it
Yes I did love it though
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