The Vanishing of Margaret Small: An uplifting and page-turning mystery

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This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Embla Books via NetGalley UK. Alexander weaves a most sensitive story, which made me laugh and smile, and on one occasion even cry, but not once does he descend into the saccharine or ever patronise his marvellous leading lady, Margaret. His depiction of Care Support Worker Wayne has such heart, and it is Wayne and Margaret’s exchanges that are my favourite conversations in the book. I adored Wayne, especially the way he drew a line in the sand in dealing with some of Margaret’s dodgy views. So, yes, like all good characters Margaret may be flawed, but mostly she is kind and funny — and the most wonderful company.

Ich brauchte meine Zeit, um in die Geschichte zu finden. Doch je weiter ich gelesen habe, desto mehr wurde ich in den Bann dieses Buches gezogen. Alexander throws the reader a little surprise before a most satisfactory resolution to Margaret’s story. He gives his characters wise words and insightful observations. “Don’t judge yourself the way others judged you in the past.” Funny, moving and uplifting, this is an outstanding debut novel. Her story takes a few unforeseen directions (and som THE AUTHOR: Much of the inspiration for Neil Alexander's debut novel, 'The Vanishing of Margaret Small', came directly from the voices of people with a learning disability, and the incredibly moving first person accounts of living in long stay institutions, which he heard while working for the UK charity Mencap. Neil, who has a Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Kent at Canterbury, began his career working in health journalism. Originally from Northern Ireland, he now lives in the seaside town of Whitstable in Kent. He currently teaches English part-time and is working on his second novel.This is where Margaret remains until, at thirty-two years old, she's told she can leave St. Mary's to live in a small group home while receiving guidance from an assigned Support Worker. I was seven years old when they vanished me. The Rat Catcher done it. He stole me from Grandma. In the beginning, you see, I lived with Grandma, for Mother had died soon after I was born.

There is a twist towards the end of the book, it did not come as a surprise to me. I was pretty sure I had figured it out along the way. But that did not detract from the story at all. Throughout, I only wanted the best for Margaret. But, then, I found out that I had not figured it out. What a lovely surprise! The real twist was way better than what I had in mind. It is written in the same language and style that I imagine her talking in. Bad grammar and all. This makes the story feel authentic. I imagine the audible version would be good. There are a few characters that are a bit clichéd at the home where she grew up. But there are lots of interesting secondary characters. The Vanishing of Margaret Small is a story that tore at my heart, had me shedding tears in places, but also had me laughing out loud in others. Save TDA Exclusive Breakfast Network Launch to your collection. Share TDA Exclusive Breakfast Network Launch with your friends.The Vanishing of Margaret Small is the first novel by British author, Neil Alexander. In 1947, at the age of seven, Margaret Small is collected without explanation from her grandmother’s home by a man she dubs The Rat Catcher. Margaret tells her story over two timelines. She is now in her 70s and living in a flat and supervised by her support worker, Wayne. Wayne is a lovely, caring person, fully invested in enabling Margaret to live her best possible life. We need more Waynes in this world. We are always delighted to hear from authors. We are currently open for review requests and we are happy to review a wide variety of genres. Please submit your information below and we will be in touch asap. I was surprised to find out "The Vanishing of Margaret Small" is this author's debut novel. The author's note at the end, gives brief detail of what brought this amazing story to life. I do hope this book finds its way in front of a large audience of readers and listeners for the well-written and meaningful story it is. I highly recommend it to all!

The chapters are short, adding to the pace of the novel. (I was a bit apprehensive to see eighty-seven chapters at first! Needn’t have worried.) I really enjoyed Margaret’s story. It was sweet, sad, touching, charming and uplifting. I found every opportunity I could to listen to it! Fictional books with characters with learning challenges are often a bit jarring and their abilities inconsistent, but this character felt well-rounded and ‘real’. Margaret is such a lovely character. Not always easy to read but sadly very relevant and it has me really hoping that something good came for her by the end. So glad I read it

Vanish is exactly what happens to seven-year-old Margaret in 1947 when her maternal grandmother and Mr. Gray decide she should be 'dropped off' at St. Mary's Hospital, a long-stay institution for children with learning and physical disabilities. A tender , thought-provoking and totally gripping novel from a wonderful storyteller...deserves to be a huge hit!' - Matt Cain, author of The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle At times a heart-wrenching read, "The Vanishing of Margaret Small" was an astounding debut novel. Based upon interviews with 'people with learning disabilities', the author has created a fictionalized tribute to those people, while also reminding us of the dire treatment of these individuals just a few short decades ago.

Recommended Reads about Race, Racism, and Demarginalizing History - Necessary Non-fiction You Should Read for Life-changing Insights and Impact The story is powerful, following our protaganist Margaret Small who lived in a home for children with learning difficulties.

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Told in two timelines, this story is an intensely emotional journey with top-notch characterizations. It's impossible not to love Margaret, as she's definitely the one who holds this story together. She may be a bit slow but she has an inner beauty that's impossible to resist. My favorite quote in the book is: “Don’t judge yourself the way others judged you in the past.” It can apply to many of us in many situations. This comes from Wayne, who is Margaret’s support worker. He lives up to his role. Save Well-Edu Launch Event. Meet, connect and celebrate! to your collection. Share Well-Edu Launch Event. Meet, connect and celebrate! with your friends. Margaret as the narrator in the story is engaging throughout, and the audible narrator is pitch perfect. When reading, the locations mentioned were very vivid to me – largely in part to the fact that just last week I binge-watched the second season of “Whitstable Pearl” on Netflix.