As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, fans of Bridget Jones and Fleabag will love Miriam Goes Raj by John McGuinness, as Miriam’s quest to escape her eccentric parents’ plans leads her from heartbreak and a missing dog to hilarious chaos in Bangalore.
Miriam Goes Raj
Forget your average heroine. Miriam Moncrieff, the protagonist of John McGuinness’s dazzling debut novel, Miriam Goes Raj, is a force of nature. Sharp-tongued, fiercely idealistic, and armed with a wit that could rival any stand-up comic, Miriam is a breath of fresh air in the world of literary heroines. Think Bridget Jones meets Fleabag, but with a global perspective and a healthy dose of social activism.

From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh to the vibrant, chaotic energy of Bangalore, Miriam’s journey is a whirlwind of self-discovery, resilience, and laugh-out-loud moments. One minute she’s protesting injustice in her hometown (including a memorable encounter with a fire-eating performer that sparks an unforgettable first meeting with her boyfriend, Faisal), the next she’s navigating the cultural complexities of India.
When her love life implodes and her beloved dog, Hugo, mysteriously vanishes, Miriam impulsively trades her picket signs for a teaching position at a global call centre in India. But even thousands of miles away, her knack for stirring the pot and finding herself in hilarious (and sometimes poignant) situations remains unchanged.
McGuinness, who has dabbled in stand-up comedy himself, masterfully blends humour with heart. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his prose crackles with the kind of effortless wit that leaves you wanting more. Miriam Goes Raj isn’t just a funny book, though. It’s a story about finding your purpose, even when you’re constantly tripping over your own good intentions. It’s about the search for connection, whether it’s with a cause, a canine companion, or maybe, just maybe, a little love.
Miriam’s imperfections are her strength. She’s messy, she’s flawed, she’s human. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Miriam’s fiery idealism and unwavering commitment to justice offer a much-needed literary tonic. Miriam Goes Raj is a rollicking adventure, a sharp social commentary, and a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be a woman in the 21st century. If you’re looking for a novel that will make you laugh, think, and feel, then look no further. This is a debut you won’t want to miss.
John McGuinness
John McGuinness’s debut novel, Miriam Goes Raj, is the culmination of a lifelong passion for storytelling. While the idea for the book took root during the long, sun-drenched days of lockdown—a period he embraced with the conviction that if you don’t paint your masterpiece now, you never will—his journey to publication has been a long and winding one.
Over a decade ago, McGuinness honed his narrative skills through playwriting courses in Edinburgh and online. He even braved the stage himself, trying his hand at stand-up comedy, where his “hilarious one-liners,” as lauded by a Daily Express reviewer, clearly hinted at the comedic talent now on full display in his writing.
A keen outdoorsman, McGuinness lives in Scotland with his wife, Karen, and balances his creative pursuits with his work as a building surveyor. Miriam Goes Raj is not just a first novel; it’s the realization of a long-held dream, infused with the wit, warmth, and keen observation of a writer who has finally found his perfect canvas.
Find more from John McGuinness now:
Kindle: https://amzn.to/42xIs55
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4hb0fUn
We strive to keep The Table Read free for both our readers and our contributors. If you have enjoyed our work, please consider donating to help keep The Table Read going!
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.