Connie Maguire has always lived in the shadows. Battling low self-esteem, she has spent her life prioritising her only child — and he has flourished, becoming Ireland’s newest rugby star. On the day of her milestone birthday, with Liam’s career about to soar, Connie finally believes she might achieve some happiness.
Then tragedy strikes in the dark of night, changing everything.
On Ireland’s rugged west coast, the past refuses to stay buried, and Connie must finally confront the devastating truth of what happened on the night that destroyed so many lives. This powerful exploration of motherhood, guilt and redemption questions whether we can truly be free from the mistakes of our past.
Review
The (Wonderful) Life of Connie Maguire by Domhnall O’Donoghue is a contemporary Irish novel that delves into themes of identity, family, and personal transformation. The story follows Connie Maguire, a woman who has long felt overshadowed by the expectations and dynamics of her family. At a pivotal moment in her life, Connie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to reclaim her sense of self and purpose. She battles against Irish culture, societal norms and her own expectations to find a life with true meaning.
The book has powerful themes that demonstrate how the ways we force mothers into hiding may change with the ages, but the pressure they feel to meet society's expectations stay firm. Fans of Lianne Moriarty will likely find a lot to love in this book as the author cleverly winds suspense into a wrought emotional drama.
Purchase Links
https://www.mercierpress.ie/books/the-wonderful-life-of-connie-maguire/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wonderful-Life-Connie-Maguire-ebook/dp/B0F5D1T2JB
https://www.amazon.com/Wonderful-Life-Connie-Maguire-ebook/dp/B0F5D1T2JB
Author Bio –
Hailing from Navan, Co. Meath, Domhnall works as a travel journalist, columnist and author. He writes extensively for the Irish and British media, with work regularly appearing in the Belfast Telegraph, Woman’s Way, The Sunday Times and the Irish Examiner. Domhnall has received many prestigious honours for his writing, including the 2025 Travel Extra Travel Journalist of the Year award.
Mercier Press published his novels Crazy for You and Colin and the Concubine. His début novel, Sister Agatha: the World’s Oldest Serial Killer, was released in 2016.
As an actor, he appeared in the award-winning series Ros na Rún for nine seasons.
Social Media Links –
Instagram: domhnall82
Facebook: Domhnall.o.donoghue
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