• Maggie-Now

  • A Novel
  • By: Betty Smith
  • Narrated by: Nicola Barber
  • Length: 13 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (56 ratings)

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Maggie-Now  By  cover art

Maggie-Now

By: Betty Smith
Narrated by: Nicola Barber
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Publisher's summary

Betty Smith, the beloved author of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, weaves a riveting modern myth out of the experiences of her own life in this rediscovered classic.

In Brooklyn's unforgiving urban jungle, Maggie Moore is torn between answering her own needs and catering to the desirous men who dominate her life. Confronted by her quarrelsome Irish immigrant father, the feckless lover who may become her husband, and others, Maggie must learn to navigate a cycle of loss, separation, and hope as she forges her own path toward happiness.

With characteristic warmth, compelling insight, and easy, conversational prose, Maggie-Now poignantly illuminates one woman's struggles and successes as she grapples with timeless questions of desire, duty, self-sacrifice, and the quest for fulfillment. Maggie-Now is an unforgettable masterpiece from one of the 20th century's greatest talents.

©1958 Betty Smith (P)2019 HarperAudio

What listeners say about Maggie-Now

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

classic!!

Loved "A tree grows in Brooklyn," as a teen, and this didn't disappoint. Wonderful narration!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love This Book

This is typical Betty Smith fare. In other words, if you liked A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, you will like Maggie-Now.

The story begins in Ireland and follows the Moore family into their adopted U.S. home in Brooklyn.
Events in Maggie-Now's life take a strange course, but all is made clear in the startling climax.

Narrator Nicola Barber does an excellent job and has obviously prepared carefully for each recording session.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Expansive & nostalgic like Tree Grows In Brooklyn

I was initially hesitant to purchase this after seeing 3/4-star reviews that said "nothing much happens" in the book and that the characters "are unlikeable". But I am very glad I purchased it; I loved this book as much as I loved A Tree Grows In Brooklyn and Joy in the Morning.

I loved "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn" for the feelings of nostalgia it evokes -- the immersion in this old-fashioned world, the attachment to the extended cast of memorable characters after following their stories over the span of 15+ years. "Maggie-Now" evokes the same feelings.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story of simpler times....

This is the third book I've read by this author, and it's possibly my favorite. Maggie Now is a loving, patient woman with a great deal of loyalty and compassion for the people in her life. Her father, a seemingly tough guy, but who's a softy at heart, had me laugh out loud several times throughout the story. I'm sure I will read this again and would recommend it to anyone.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Story

I have enjoyed this book and the Audible production very much. I look forward to reading more books by Betty Smith.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

no unabridged

this story is my favorite sadly disappointed that many of the best parts were left out or switched.....very very disappointing audible

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8 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Not unabridged as indicated

This is one of my favorite books so I did not read other reviews before purchasing. I am very unhappy to find significant chapters missing from this version as it is listed as unabridged. Not sure if I will end up returning due to the false information provided.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Betty Smith draws a depth of character for the people in her stories like no other, and this book delivers. Lovely story, left me wishing I could know what happened in Maggienow’s future. And her father! Total character, made me roll my eyes in exasperation, laugh, and sigh over his foolishness more than once!
A great read.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not very interesting.

Kept listening to see if anything interesting was going to happen...never did. This book did not draw me in.

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