The M Word

Maggie Yates lives with her mother and is about to start studying at her local art college. She has just lost her best friend Moya and is struggling with grief. Brian Conaghan’s latest novel is rooted in reality. His concise prose and portrayal of real issues pull no punches in writing about the effects of grief. Maggie is trying to find a way, any way, to move on from the loss of her friend. She uses music, from The Smiths to Elliot Smith, and also turns to more drastic measures to get through it. Coupled with this, Maggie’s mum has lost her job and is suffering with depression.

Hope for Maggie comes in the form of building new friendships in college and a tentative relationship with her somewhat new-age counsellor, Anna. Much of the story is concerned with Maggie talking to Moya in her head, really trying to understand what happened and how to carry on herself.

Brian Conaghan’s writing is sparse and economical, full of short sentences which often drop pronouns, really getting to the point. The characters feel well developed, even as they sometimes only grunt at each other as is often the case between Maggie and Mum. This is not to say that they dislike each other, rather that both are dealing with their own demons.

Maggie’s new friends, particularly Davis, bring a levity to the plot along with a subplot regarding a blind date for Mum. The M Word is a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Its portrayal of grief is unflinching and powerful. Readers should be aware that it contains some disturbing and adult themes.

Derek Carney