Spoiler alert – emotions will rise when reading this fabulous new book by a brilliant Irish author.
Award-winning journalist Domhnall O’Donoghue is a master craftsman when it comes to penning words and getting those feelings on a roller coaster.
The travel writer of the year in 2024/25 has set the story in the rugged west coast of Ireland, itself a place which stirs the heart.
HIs latest novel The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is a fantastic read, which really touches the heart and is full of lovely touches.
Published by Mercier Press, the novel tells the story of mother Connie Maguire who has spent her whole life living in the shadows and battling with low self-esteem.
She has instead lived her life living through the dreams of her son Liam who just happens to be a very talented rugby star whose career has gone from strength to strength.
Selected for the Irish squad, Liam is living the dream, which means he doesn’t have as much time for his mum Connie who is bursting with pride.
And just as everything is going well for Liam and Connie gets ready to celebrate a very special birthday in a happy jolly mood, tragedy strikes in the dark of night and their lives are turned upside down.
O’Donoghue takes the reader on a journey of emotions, as the past refuses to be buried and Connie finally has to confront the devastating truth of what happened on the night which destroyed so many lives.
It’s a masterpiece in the powerful feelings mothers have and each page will have the hairs on your neck tingling as the plot unravels.
The book is deeply moving, well written and explores the real feelings and quiet resilience of Connie, who is so caught up on her son’s world, that she even neglects herself.
It’s tender, frightening, but exquisitely written and gently probes motherhood and all that it entails, from guilt to powerful love.
A fabulous piece of writing from a stunning author.
Published: 6th June 2025
ISBN: 978-178117-8 713
UK Price: £15.99
Format: Paperback
Pages: 221 pages
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire
By Domhnall O’Donoghue
Published by Mercier Press
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire is available to buy on the Mercier Press website from Blackwell’s, TGJones (formerly WH Smith) and on Amazon.
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Book cover image courtesy of Mercier Press and the top image of the southwest coast of Ireland by Howard Walsh from Pixabay
Be the first to comment