The Maggie

by James Dillon White

In the same vein as the acclaimed Para Handy stories and TV series, this novel is based on one of Ealing Studios' most popular comedies, made in 1954. This is the first time The Maggie has been in print for many years. Mactaggart is the rascally skipper of the puffer The Maggie, a flimsy rust-bucket which hauls freight up and down the west coast of Scotland. When wealthy American businessman Calvin B. Marshall, General Overseas Manager of World-International Airways, wants to transport a precious cargo to his newly bought mansion on Kiltarra in the Western Isles, Mactaggart manages to trick Marshall's agent into hiring The Maggie for GBP300, a sum that might be useful for some much-needed repairs. Marshall learns that his valuable cargo is at risk in a vessel that's less than seaworthy, he does all in his power to have the valuable cargo transferred to a more reliable vessel. What Marshall is not prepared for is the wily Mactaggart's sly delaying tactics and crafty machinations. What follows is a hilarious and unexpected journey that will have unforeseen consequences for everyone involved ...

229 pages, Hardcover

First published August 7, 2014

Reviews

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband read this book, thoroughly enjoyed it. Based on the original Ealing Studios film of the same name, this is a wonderful feel good film that comes highly recommended.

[LandmineCat · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. A bit bland and forgettable, nothing special in writing style or humour. It felt like anyone could have written it. I can at least say that I liked the setting and MacTaggart was an entertaining character. It served me well as something light, easy, and occaisonally amusing to pass the time on a flight, but that's about all.

[Harper Ruifrok · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm actually surprised that this book is on this app. I found this book forgotten at the back of an op shop and decided to read it just because it didnt seem like it got read a lot. It was a simple but cute story. Theres a character called Pusey, whose name I pronounced wrong the entire time.