Election: Return to Gràdh

by J D MAGUIRE

Gràdh becomes the centre of the British political world, in what is an otherwise unremarkable General Election. A journalist is sent by the county's biggest tabloid newspaper to the small village to ‘report' on the comeback of Thomas Lord. Scotland's ‘Garden of Eden' becomes the focal point and moral battleground for a nation, amid a backdrop of interference, corruption and abuse.

182 pages, Paperback

Published October 27, 2022

About the author

J.D. Maguire is a novelist, scriptwriter and short story writer. He lives in Cambuslang, Glasgow, and works as a teacher of English at Bellshill Academy, where he runs an adult creative writing class.

Reviews

[Reid Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election: Return to Gràdh approaches British politics from an unusual angle, choosing observation over spectacle. Rather than focusing on dramatic campaign moments, the novel looks at how political attention alters a place and the people within it. Gràdh is portrayed as a community caught between identity and intrusion, its reputation reshaped by forces beyond its control.

The use of a journalist as the narrative guide is effective, offering a measured distance that suits the story’s themes. Information is revealed steadily, and the novel allows readers to form their own judgments about Thomas Lord, the media, and the motivations at play. The tone remains grounded throughout, avoiding exaggeration even when dealing with corruption and abuse.

This is a reflective novel that values context and consequence over momentum. Readers expecting fast twists may find it restrained, but those interested in how politics operates at a human and local level will appreciate its approach. Overall, it’s a thoughtful exploration of power, perception, and the cost of becoming politically significant.

[Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election: Return to Gràdh is a novel that draws you in without demanding attention. Its strength lies in how naturally the story unfolds, allowing the political tension to build in the background while the village of Gràdh remains firmly at the centre. The election itself almost feels secondary to the impact it has on people, reputation, and place.

Maguire’s writing is controlled and deliberate, giving the story room to breathe. The presence of Thomas Lord is handled with subtlety, making his return feel significant without overwhelming the narrative. Through the eyes of the journalist, the novel explores how stories are shaped, simplified, and sometimes distorted once they leave their source.

There’s a realism to this book that makes it compelling. It doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or heavy-handed messaging, instead trusting atmosphere and implication. The themes of interference and moral compromise feel believable and timely. This is a thoughtful, low-key political novel that rewards readers who enjoy nuance and restraint.

[Nathaniel Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election: Return to Gràdh has a subtle humor hidden beneath its political commentary. Maguire presents a small village suddenly thrust into the spotlight of national politics, and the contrast between local life and high-stakes maneuvering is quietly amusing. The journalist’s perspective, with all its tabloid flair and occasional obliviousness, adds a wry touch that keeps the story from feeling overly heavy.

Yet, the book isn’t just a comedy of manners. Beneath the understated wit lies a sharp critique of media influence, political ambition, and moral compromise. Gràdh becomes both a stage and a symbol, and Maguire balances satire with genuine reflection on the consequences of power.

I appreciated how the novel trusts its readers to notice these nuances rather than spelling everything out. It’s entertaining without being shallow, clever without being contrived. For those who enjoy political fiction with a lightly ironic lens, this book offers both insight and quiet enjoyment.

[Mason Marcus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election: Return to Gràdh is a quietly ambitious novel that uses the familiar machinery of a British general election to explore much larger moral questions. Maguire turns the small village of Gràdh into a symbolic crossroads where ideals, ambition, and power collide. The journalistic lens works especially well, allowing the story to unfold gradually while questioning who controls narratives and why. What stood out most to me was the atmosphere: Gràdh feels lived-in, almost pastoral, yet constantly under pressure. The novel doesn’t shout its themes but trusts the reader to engage with them. A reflective and measured political novel that rewards patience.

[Zach Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book surprised me with how tense it became. What starts as an “unremarkable” election quickly turns into something far darker and more unsettling. The return of Thomas Lord is handled with restraint, which actually makes his presence more powerful. The idea of a small village becoming a national battleground is compelling, and Maguire uses media interference and corruption effectively to build unease. While it isn’t a fast-paced thriller, the slow burn works in its favour. Fans of grounded political fiction will find a lot to appreciate here.

[Sophia Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gràdh is the real star of this novel. Maguire paints Scotland’s so-called “Garden of Eden” with care, showing both its beauty and its vulnerability. The contrast between rural calm and political intrusion is striking, and the village becomes a metaphor for something lost under modern politics. The story unfolds patiently, letting the setting do much of the emotional work. If you enjoy novels where place matters as much as plot, this one is worth your time.

[Amber Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a novel for readers seeking constant action, but for those who enjoy tension built through implication and atmosphere. The story simmers rather than boils, and that restraint pays off. Maguire trusts the reader, allowing themes of corruption and abuse to emerge naturally. The prose is clear and effective, and the political commentary feels grounded rather than sensational. A quietly confident novel.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in Election: Return to Gràdh feel realistic and flawed, especially the journalist at the centre of the story. Their observations shape the narrative without dominating it, which makes the unfolding events feel organic. Thomas Lord’s return looms over the novel, adding weight without excessive exposition. This is a book that understands human motivation and the compromises people make when power enters the room.

[Marco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel does an excellent job of showing how national politics can distort and damage small communities. Gràdh becomes a symbol of how easily narratives can be shaped for convenience. The themes of interference and abuse are handled with care, avoiding sensationalism. A sobering and relevant read.

[Roman Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What resonated most for me was the sense of loss, of innocence, privacy, and control. The village of Gràdh feels like something fragile being handled by forces that don’t care. The emotional weight sneaks up on you, making the novel more impactful than expected.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a quiet cynicism running through this novel that feels earned rather than bitter. The depiction of power, media, and ambition is unflinching. Nobody comes out looking entirely clean, which makes the story feel honest. Not comforting, but compelling.

[Nathan Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maguire shows admirable restraint in his storytelling. He doesn’t over-explain or dramatize unnecessarily. The result is a novel that feels mature and confident. Readers willing to engage with nuance will be rewarded.

[Wyatt Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Election: Return to Gràdh is a thoughtful, atmospheric novel that blends politics, place, and moral tension. It may not appeal to everyone, but readers who enjoy subtlety and relevance will find it a worthwhile read.