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“[Smith...reminds you that you can...survive deep loss, sink into lifes deep beauty, and constantly, constantly make yourself new.” —Glennon Doyle, #1 New York Times bestselling author The bestselling poet and author of the “powerful” (People) and “luminous” (Newsweek) Keep Moving offers a lush and heartrending memoir exploring coming of age in your middle age.“Life, like a poem, is a series of choices.” In her memoir You Could Make This Place Beautiful, poet Maggie Smith explores the disintegration of her marriage and her renewed commitment to herself in lyrical vignettes that shine, hard and clear as jewels. The book begins with one womans personal, particular heartbreak, but its circles widen into a reckoning with contemporary womanhood, traditional gender roles, and the power dynamics that persist even in many progressive homes. With the spirit of self-inquiry and empathy shes known for, Smith interweaves snapshots of a life with meditations on secrets, anger, forgiveness, and narrative itself. The power of these pieces is cumulative: page after page, they build into a larger interrogation of family, work, and patriarchy. You Could Make This Place Beautiful, like the work of Deborah Levy, Rachel Cusk, and Gina Frangello, is an unflinching look at what it means to live and write our own lives. It is a story about a mothers fierce and constant love for her children, and a womans love and regard for herself. Above all, this memoir is an argument for possibility. With a poets attention to language and an innovative approach to the genre, Smith reveals how, in the aftermath of loss, we can discover our power and make something new. Something beautiful.

Maggie Smith's "You Could Make This Place Beautiful: A Memoir" offers a compelling blend of humor, resilience, and reflection as she recounts her remarkable journey. With vivid prose and an enthralling narrative, Smith takes readers on a rollercoaster of emotions, from the turbulent waters of her early life to the triumphant peaks of her acting career.

Born in 1934 in Ilford, England, Smith endured a challenging childhood marked by poverty, abandonment, and the harsh realities of World War II. Despite these hardships, she found solace in books and developed a deep love for literature, which would later fuel her passion for acting.

Smith's path to stardom was unconventional. She began her career in the theatre, captivating audiences with her raw talent and natural stage presence. Her versatility shone through as she seamlessly transitioned between Shakespearean dramas and contemporary plays, earning critical acclaim and prestigious awards.

Smith's breakthrough came in the 1960s when she starred in the popular television series "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." This role catapulted her to international fame and cemented her reputation as a charismatic and versatile actress. Throughout her career, she graced the screens and stages, captivating audiences with unforgettable performances in films like "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel," "Downton Abbey," and "Harry Potter."

Her memoir delves into her personal and professional life, offering candid insights into her relationship with her daughter, the challenges of fame, and the joys of motherhood. With refreshing honesty, Smith reveals her struggles with mental health, her experiences with sexism and ageism in the entertainment industry, and the profound impact her roles have had on her own life.

"You Could Make This Place Beautiful" is an inspiring and heartwarming testament to the indomitable human spirit. Maggie Smith's resilience, determination, and unwavering love for her craft serve as an inspiration to readers, reminding them of the transformative power of imagination, creativity, and the pursuit of dreams.