Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance ~ Frances Maynard

Maynard, Frances. 2019. Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance. London, England: Mantle Publishing, a division of Pan Macmillan. ISBN 978-1529014013.
Amazon link: https://amzn.to/33P6CX9

I first discovered author Frances Maynard in a Guardian article last Spring when I was researching the genre of books called "UpLit." I had noticed that my library customers were asking for this kind of story, which seemed to gain popularity after Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was published. There is not a specific definition for UpLit; however in most of the books in this category the main characters struggle with complex issues, but ultimately seem to find redemption and hope in the end.

I noticed that Ms. Maynard's novel The 7 Rules of Elvira Carr was mentioned in the article, so I bought it, read it, and reviewed it here: https://kellywellread.blogspot.com/2019/03/a-little-about-uplit-genre-and-book.html. I was pleased to get to know Evvie Carr, who is quite a unique character. There are also more UpLit titles mentioned in the above book review, as well as a more thorough explanation of the genre.

When I read the summary of Maggsie McNaughton's Second Chance, the new novel by this author, I purchased it from Book Depository, as it was not available in the US. at the time. I did notice that it can be purchased on Amazon now, and I've included the link above.

About the book:

Maggsie McNaughton is not your typical heroine of a novel. She's a 4' 10" uneducated, dyslexic ex-con with anger management issues, a drinking problem, and really bad teeth. But I fell in love with Maggsie, and rooted for her the entire time I was reading this book.

Marguerite McNaughton grew up in a very dysfunctional home, and due to her dyslexia had a difficult time in school - unsympathetic teachers and teasing by her classmates. She had two early tragedies in her life as a teenager, which let to acting out and going down a road of repeated incarcerations and lashing out at anyone who tried to make her feel "small" - and not due to her size alone.

As the book opens, Maggsie has just been released from another prison term. She is working at low-level job with a company known for giving ex-cons a second chance, and she's sharing a home with some other women who are also on probation. We experience some flashbacks into the life Maggsie led "inside," including the relationship she formed with one woman in particular who began teaching her to read.

Maggsie is tough and a hard worker, but she doesn't make friends easily, and often alienates those who try to get close to her. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the book is the wonderful cast of characters that surround Maggsie as she comes to experience the titular "second chance." Maggsie grows and learns, makes mistake, and changes little by little into the person that ultimately she can be proud of.

This book reminded me how important literacy is, and as a librarian I am privileged to be part of a profession that advocates and provides resources for those learning to read, no matter what the age. The reality of what living life in this world is like for those who cannot read is readily on display in this novel, and I was impressed to learn that the author teaches English to adults with learning disabilities, including dyslexia.

There are quite a few British slang words used in this novel that I needed to look up, like "ruddy" and "poxy" and something about soldiers! But once I got used to it, I could hear Maggsie's voice so distinctly in the narrative. One part at the end of the book required a bit of suspension of belief; but I was so invested in the lives of the characters and the outcome by that point that I really didn't mind at all.

I'm so glad I got to know Maggsie. You will want to meet her, too.

Happy Reading!