As a fellow young mum (I had my first baby at 19), Margo’s story in Margo’s Got Money Troubles hit me right in the heart. Rufi Thorpe gives us a heroine who is all grit and no quit, a young woman navigating the wild terrain of single motherhood with a baby on one hip and the weight of the world on the other.
From the moment Margo refuses to listen to everyone telling her not to have her baby, I was cheering for her stubborn determination. Her struggles—juggling rent, childcare, and an unhelpful ex—are deeply relatable for anyone who’s lived the hustle of early motherhood. But then, just when you think this is going to be a straight-up drama, enter her dad, Jinx: a washed-up WWE star turned babysitter with a flair for leather pants and questionable ideas.
It’s not long before Margo stumbles into an OnlyFans hustle that transforms her life—and her narrative. This is where the book gets wild (in the best way). Watching her turn her situation into a business, crafting a brand with her dad’s savvy and some unexpected allies, is both hilarious and empowering. It’s a brilliant commentary on modern motherhood, the sex industry, and the unexpected ways family shows up (or doesn’t).
Thorpe’s ability to balance heartbreak with humour is beautiful. The third-person moments where Margo reflects on her past are raw and relatable, but her first-person resilience and humour light up the page. I especially loved the feminist undertones—Margo owning her choices and thriving on her terms.
If you’ve ever been a young mum, hustled to pay rent, or just needed a win against impossible odds, you’ll see a piece of yourself in Margo. She’s the fiery, flawed, fabulous friend we all need. Here’s hoping the Apple TV adaptation does her justice—though, as usual, it’ll be hard to match Thorpe’s magic on the page.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is more than a novel; it’s a celebration of survival, reinvention, and motherly love. Trust me, you’ll be cheering for Margo from start to finish. Pick this one up if you are looking for a fun, page-turner because life is too short to read bad books.