RODDY DOYLE - THE WOMAN WHO WALKED INTO DOORS. Minerva Press, 1996.
The Woman Who Walked Into Doors
If you're easily offended by tough, gritty drama then this book by the
author of The Commitments will not be for you. If, however, you like a
book that is realistic, poignant and beautifully written The Woman
Who Walked Into Doors is a must have on your bookshelf.
Set in Dublin, the story tells of Paula Spencer and of her relationship with her husband and the life that she leads as a result. He, Charlo, is a petty criminal who has a penchant for keeping Paula in her place, hence the title.
Written
from a first-person perspective, it is astonishing how Doyle
has perfected the emotional confrontation suffered by such women as
Paula. It's almost as though he has lived her life for her, in the manner
in which he describes everything to a tee; how she feels, what she thinks,
how she copes with living with an abusive husband and how it effects
her life.
It's
also a warm and charming account. Given the nature of the subject, it
might come as a surprise to find that it is also very funny in places,
as well as being deeply upsetting in others.
The
mark of a good read is that of being able to 'see' the characters and
events as they unfold on the page. The Woman Who Walked Into Doors
excels in this. Readers can taste the Guinness, hear the music and feel
the blows and burns as they come thick and fast throughout. The characters,
settings, drama, laughter and tears are all in perfect unison, so as
to sweep the story along with a verve and vigour that is breathtaking.
The
account opens with 'I swooned the first time I saw Charlo'. I guarantee
that if you put aside any preconceptions regarding the subject matter,
that you will swoon too, at the mastery of Doyle's writing abilities
with this novel.
Order this book online - Linghams
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