Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

Show Gist options
  • Save reviewthebest/675558c5e28d720796168979715f91ea to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save reviewthebest/675558c5e28d720796168979715f91ea to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Top 12 Maggie O Farrell Books
title
Top 12 Maggie O Farrell Books

Top 12 Maggie O Farrell Books

Welcome to a delightful journey through the captivating world of Maggie O'Farrell's books! In this engaging roundup, we'll explore the author's diverse and enchanting literary landscape that spans from historical fiction to contemporary drama. You'll find yourself immersed in O'Farrell's unique storytelling, as we delve into her novels' intricate narratives, captivating characters, and thought-provoking themes. Get ready to embark on a literary adventure that promises to intrigue, inspire, and captivate you at every turn.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.



good-behaviour-307015-1

A BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick – Booker Prize Gems


Good Behaviour, an exquisite tragi-comedy set in post-World War I Ireland, is a timeless tale that masterfully explores the tumultuous lives of the St Charles family. Hidden behind the gates of Temple Alice, the once-aristocratic Anglo-Irish family finds themselves entangled in a web of forbidden desires, while their adherence to social norms fades away.

Molly Keane, the mistress of wicked comedy, deftly captures the complexities of her characters and their relationships. As tradition clashes with the uncontrollable human spirit, this poignant novel confronts the consequences of defying societal expectations and embracing the allure of forbidden passions.

With its sharp, insightful satire and unforgettable prose, Good Behaviour quickly becomes a classic in the world of fiction. Revered by literary icons such as Hilary Mantel and praised by contemporary authors like Maggie O'Farrell, this extraordinary novel stands the test of time and never fails to provoke thought and emotion.


  • Authors: Molly Keane

  • Publisher: Virago

  • Published Date: August 04, 2011

  • Page Count: 186

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


Listen for Free @ Amazon Audible

πŸ“– Enjoy for Free on Kindle Unlimited



bogeywoman-126212-1

In this National Book Award Winner, Jaimy Gordon takes us on a daring journey through a world where teenage girls grapple with their own identities and their darker impulses. Set in a Baltimore psychiatric hospital, Ursie Koderer, now known as the Bogeywoman, navigates a world full of fellow misfits.

With humor and tragedy, this coming-of-age novel delves into the depths of Ursie's troubled psyche, as she learns about love, crime, and the liberation of the soul. Along the way, she encounters a mysterious Doctor Zuk, a female psychiatrist who ignites a passionate affair, proving that love can emerge from the most unexpected places.

The Bogeywoman provides a captivating glimpse into the mind of a young woman struggling to find her place in the world, while offering a thought-provoking exploration of mental health and the human condition.


  • Authors: Jaimy Gordon

  • Publisher: Vintage

  • Published Date: September 06, 2011

  • Page Count: 306

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


πŸ‘‰ Listen for Free from Audible

➑️ Read Free via Amazon Kindle



3. Pog

pog-160775-1

In the enchanting world of Chicken House's "Pog, " Padraig Kenny weaves a tale of adventure, magic, and mystery. Follow Tin David and Penny as they explore the mystical forest surrounding their late mother's childhood home. The siblings soon discover a host of extraordinary creatures, including the tiny, hairy Pog, one of the First Folk dedicated to guarding the boundary between their world and the unknown.

As the children venture deeper into the woods, they inadvertently allow monstrous beings from the other side of the cellar door to enter their world. Meanwhile, David becomes entangled in the darkness lurking within the forest, searching for a way to reunite with his beloved mother.

With its vivid imagination and lovable, misfit characters, "Pog" takes readers on a magical journey filled with danger, excitement, and self-discovery. This mesmerizing read will grip you from the very first page, and leave you wondering what lies beyond the boundaries of our world.


  • Authors: Padraig Kenny

  • Publisher: Chicken House

  • Published Date: April 04, 2019

  • Page Count: 320

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction

  • Average Rating: 5.0

  • Ratings Count: 1.0

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


πŸ“’ Stream for Free from Audible

➑️ Read for Free @ Kindle Unlimited



how-we-disappeared-161593-1

A Novel


In the gripping debut novella "How We Disappeared, " Jing-Jing Lee unravels the deeply moving story of a young boy's quest to uncover the agonizing secrets of his grandmother's past. Set against the backdrop of Japan's invasion of Singapore, the narrative alternates between two timelinesβ€”one following seventeen-year-old Wang Di, a captive of a "comfort woman" brothel during World War II, and the other chronicling twelve-year-old Kevin's tireless pursuit of truth, spurred by a whispered confession from his terminally ill grandmother.

Brimming with themes of family, love, memory, and the enduring toll of war, "How We Disappeared" sheds light on a little-known chapter of history and showcases the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. Recommended for fans of Pachinko and We Were the Lucky Ones.


  • Authors: Jing-Jing Lee

  • Publisher: Harlequin

  • Published Date: May 07, 2019

  • Page Count: 366

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


Hear for Free with Audible

πŸ“– Enjoy for Free @ Amazon Kindle Unlimited



night-boat-to-tangier-428911-1

A Novel


"Night Boat to Tangier" is more than just a novel, it's a journey into the heart of two aging Irishmen, Maurice Hearne and Charlie Redmond. These men share a dark history of violence, love, betrayal, and exile, all unfolding against the backdrop of a dimly-lit ferry terminal waiting room in Algeciras. Their mission? To find Maurice's estranged daughter, Dilly, who they believe is on a boat coming or going from Tangier.

In this vividly rendered narrative, Kevin Barry combines dark humor and the raw lyrical beauty of the Hibernian dialect to create an unforgettable tale of loss, nostalgia, and human frailty. As the night progresses, so does the story, delving deep into the past, each chapter revealing a piece of their shared story.

Filled with evocative writing and complex characters, "Night Boat to Tangier" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, love, and the dark consequences of a life lived on the wrong side of the law. Don't miss this stunningly poetic and moving work of fiction.


  • Authors: Kevin Barry

  • Publisher: Anchor

  • Published Date: September 17, 2019

  • Page Count: 228

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


πŸ“’ Listen Free at Amazon Audible

πŸ“± Explore for Free at Amazon Kindle Unlimited



second-place-222960-1

A Novel


In Rachel Cusk's gripping new novel, Second Place, a woman opens her home and her heart to a renowned artist, seeking to unravel the mysteries of her life through his unmatched vision. As the summer progresses, the man's enigmatic presence starts to challenge not just her understanding of her family but also her grasp of the enigmatic landscape around her. This novel, a vivid exploration of human relationships and moral dilemmas, highlights the power of art to uplift and to destroy.

Immerse yourself in the haunting world of Rachel Cusk's electrifying Second Place.


  • Authors: Rachel Cusk

  • Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux

  • Published Date: May 04, 2021

  • Page Count: 192

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Average Rating: 5.0

  • Ratings Count: 1.0

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


🎧 Stream Free at Amazon Audible

πŸ“˜ Read for Free on Kindle Unlimited



build-your-house-around-my-body-674730-1

A Novel


Build Your House Around My Body is an unforgettable, time-traveling novel that weaves together past and present, blending puzzle, revenge tale, and ghost story elements into a thrilling read. With its blend of Vietnamese history, folklore, and an intricate puzzle involving two young women and their inescapable fates, this novel is a kaleidoscopic tour de force that spans over fifty years of Vietnamese history. Told through multiple timelines and characters, including a young boy, two Frenchmen, and the employees of the Saigon Spirit Eradication Co. , the novel delves into the haunting connections between generations, ghosts, and possessed lands.

Set against the backdrop of Vietnam's struggle for independence, Build Your House Around My Body is a heart-pounding, border-crossing fever dream that will leave you haunted by its stunning conclusion.


  • Authors: Violet Kupersmith

  • Publisher: Random House

  • Published Date: July 06, 2021

  • Page Count: 401

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


πŸ‘‰ Listen for Free with Audible

πŸ“– Enjoy Free @ Kindle Unlimited



where-snow-angels-go-178773-1

Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of "Where Snow Angels Go" by the spellbinding author, Maggie O'Farrell, published by Candlewick Press. This enchanting youth novel revolves around the tale of Sylvie. Emerging from the brink of a near-fatal illness, she is astounded to find a tranquil snow angel by her side, tenderly watching over her. Touched by the sense of gratitude and inspired by new hope, Sylvie becomes determined to reconnect with this elusive guardian.

As her health gradually improves, Sylvie's fascination with the mysterious protector intensifies, leading her on a thrilling and perilous journey. Alongside her, we traverse life's challenges, all in the quest of reuniting with the magical snow angel who has stolen Sylvie's heart. A story filled with mesmerizing intrigue, compelling characters, and a sprinkle of fantastical elements, "Where Snow Angels Go" is destined to ignite the imagination of young readers and guide them to a realm where dreams transpire.


  • Authors: Maggie O'Farrell

  • Publisher: Candlewick Press

  • Published Date: November 16, 2021

  • Page Count: 73

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Juvenile Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


🎧 Listen Free @ Audible

➑️ Enjoy for Free on Kindle Unlimited



if-i-survive-you-257415-1

If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery is a finalist for the 2023 Booker Prize and the 2022 National Book Award for Fiction. Explore a captivating tale of a Jamaican family striving for more in Miami. This collection of interwoven short stories showcases the resilience and determination required to survive in a world filled with financial disaster, racism, and adversity.

Follow Trelawny, struggling to find his place amidst the challenges, and join him on a journey of self-discovery and the complexities unraveled by cultural divides, all against the backdrop of a house cursed by unseen forces. If I Survive You captures the essence of hope amidst the harsh realities of life, making it a standout debut for Jonathan Escoffery.


  • Authors: Jonathan Escoffery

  • Publisher: MCD

  • Published Date: September 06, 2022

  • Page Count: 198

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


πŸ“’ Listen Free with Audible

πŸ‘‰ Read for Free from Amazon Kindle



my-lovers-lover-22728-1

Plunge into the tangled web of betrayal, loss, and love in My Lover's Lover by Maggie O'Farrell. This gripping novel takes you on a twisted journey as protagonist Lily enters into a tumultuous relationship with her boyfriend Marcus. However, their love story is far from ordinary - haunted by the lingering presence of Marcus's former lover, Sinead, Lily finds herself consumed by obsession and grappling with the specter of Sinead's fate.

As the stakes rise higher and the line between reality and fantasy blurs, Lily is forced to confront her own sanity and question the true nature of the man she loves. Fans of psychological thrillers and O'Farrell's previous works, The Marriage Portrait and Hamnet, will not be disappointed by this suspenseful, emotionally charged tale.

With a total of 275 pages, My Lover's Lover is a gripping, mature fiction novel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat throughout.


  • Authors: Maggie O'Farrell

  • Publisher: Vintage Canada

  • Published Date: August 15, 2023

  • Page Count: 275

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


Enjoy for Free from Audible

πŸ“˜ Explore for Free at Amazon Kindle Unlimited



after-youd-gone-722744-1

A Novel


After You'd Gone is a gripping first novel from the award-winning and celebrated author, Maggie O'Farrell. Set in Scotland and told from multiple perspectives, the story unravels as Alice Raikes, a traveler from London, confronts a shocking event and finds herself in a coma. As her family rushes to her side, they also face the resurfacing of long-hidden tensions, each revealing their own truths as they come to terms with the love and grief surrounding them.

This mesmerizing novel delves into the complexities of the human heart and showcases O'Farrell's masterful storytelling. As a spellbinding debut from a brilliant literary mind, After You'd Gone is sure to captivate readers and mark a memorable new voice in contemporary fiction.


  • Authors: Maggie O'Farrell

  • Publisher: Vintage Canada

  • Published Date: August 15, 2023

  • Page Count: 352

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Fiction

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


Enjoy for Free with Amazon Audible

πŸ‘‰ Enjoy for Free on Kindle Unlimited



12. Hamnet

hamnet-362054-1

'She's like no one I've ever met. . She's like fire and water all at once. ' Experience the extraordinary love story of Agnes Hathaway and William Shakespeare in 'Hamnet', a new play based on Maggie O'Farrell's bestselling novel.

As they navigate their desires, Agnes remains at home to raise their three children before losing their youngest, 11-year-old Hamnet, to the plague. Witness the profound struggle in the face of the unthinkable, and the birth of a legacy that would change the world. Adapted by renowned playwright Lolita Chakrabarti, 'Hamnet' offers an unforgettable portrayal of the man behind the greatest works in English literature.

This heart-warming yet heartbreaking love letter to nature and survival is brought to life in this captivating adaptation.


  • Authors: Maggie O'Farrell

  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

  • Published Date: October 24, 2023

  • Page Count: 105

  • Print Type: BOOK

  • Categories: Drama

  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE

  • Language: en


πŸ’Ώ Listen Free at Amazon Audible

πŸ“± Explore for Free @ Amazon Kindle Unlimited

Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment