A review by p4chen
The Women Behind the Door by Roddy Doyle

4.0

Irish Literature - March 25

A stream of conscious, expert study in character driven dialog. 

An emotionally powerful narrative that illustrates the enduring effects of physical and mental abuse, guilt and shame and how those feelings isolate and impact close family relationships and are passed on from mother to child. 

As a reader I enjoyed moments of levity, laughter and heartbreak. 

Paula was a hilarious, tragic and a very relatable character. Her mothering strengths and insecurities were realistically portrayed. The friendship she shared with Mary was lovely. 

Although I was unaware that The Women Behind The Door was the most recent publication within a series - it read equally well as a stand alone novel.