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The Making of Marigold McGrath
The Making of Marigold McGrath
Carrie Hayes | 2026 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE MAKING OF MARIGOLD McGRATH is a Second World War story that doesn't shy away from the hurt and pain that war brings to ordinary lives. Okay, so not everyone had the opportunity to meet with Winston Churchill when he was Prime Minister, or meet Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, but you get the idea.

We start in America with Marigold living with her parents. Her best friend, Trude, lives with her father, but is soon leaving the country to study abroad. Marigold makes a mistake and ends up moving to London. Her life is a series of happenings, sometimes being in the right place at the right time, and other times being in exactly the wrong place at the wrong time.

One of the other main characters is Joop from the Netherlands. He was studying in Britain, too, until the war happened and he signed up. Eventually, he fights for the Dutch Resistance. I won't say anything else, because I don't want to give any spoilers.

While the story is both gripping and heartbreaking, as it deals with the turmoil of war, I did find it a little disjointed at times, especially when a character died. It was written, done, and moved on with very little time to process. I also don't know if it is the first in a series, as there were definitely questions left unanswered, with a rather abrupt ending.

On the whole, this was a great read that I'm glad I have read. I learnt more about the War than I originally knew (like the pets), and would definitely read more by this author. Recommended by me.

** The same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian
Jul 22, 2026