Maggie by Catherine Jones

Maggie is a seventeen-year-old, scholarship student at a convent boarding school in country Victoria in the 1960s, escaping from the poverty and violence of her home life with an abusive alcoholic father. Lonely and in need of affection, she is immediately drawn to the charming new priest Father Lloyd Nihill who seems to recognise her neediness and her intelligence and enjoys drawing her into conversation.  It becomes a taboo relationship, as he draws her into ever more intimate situations.

The story is told completely in Maggie’s voice, her point of view, and while we as readers may recognise the selfishness and self-interest of Lloyd, Maggie is completely naive. They are 'in love'. She wants the closeness with him. As she becomes more entangled, she risks the future she had planned for herself, of being independent, going to university and becoming a scholar.

But, perhaps against the expectations of readers, Johns does not present Maggie as a victim. Maggie remains clear about what she wants, and she remains as honest and truthful as she can be in the situation she finds herself in. Perhaps it is that transparency of her character that draws people to generally act kindly towards her despite their intrinsic disapproval.

Johns has not written a moral tale, it is not the harrowing story of a woman’s downfall, but rather it is an account of a young woman finding her own path, despite societal disapproval, and staying true to her values. She is a quiet hero that draws our empathy.

Catherine John’s writing style though spare includes beautiful descriptions of Maggie’s appreciation of light, art and scenery around her.  Much of the book also includes conversation that is natural and authentic. The chapters move quickly and it is easy to keep reading to discover how Maggie is going to navigate the challenges she faces.

The themes of this novel, though set in the 1960s, lend themselves to discussions of modern day issues of consent and responsibility, as well as reinforcing values of honesty and caring for others.

Themes: Convent school, Love, Consent, Power relationships, Responsibility, Women’s role, Teenage pregnancy.

Helen Eddy