Roddy Doyle has written an emotional moving novel about a mother &daughter living together during covid.Their difficult time trying to understand each other will resonate with many readers.I was engaged from first to last page.#netgalley #penguin

Paula is a strong character who leaps into life on the page. Paula has a painful history, and during COVID, she finds her daughter, Nicola, suddenly in her life in her house. Every story about mothers and daughters is appealing and resonates with my experience. This novel is packed with emotion, pain, and humor.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

A woman and her daughter isolate together due to Covid. The women have a complicated relationship, and their time alone helps them delve into past and present trauma.

In theory, by reading the plot, this book appeals to me. It's a character-driven story as well as a character study of this older woman and her relationship with the people around her and her oldest daughter, also about her past life, her struggles, the memories, her background as both a woman and a mother.
But the execution didn't connect with me. Nothing essentially wrong with it. I have no complaints about this book or the author's writing style, whatsoever. It just isn't for me.
I'm sure this book will have its audience, and I appreciate the chance to read it in advance. Thank you, NetGalley.

The Women Behind the Door tells the story of Paula Spencer, a recovering alcoholic in her sixties, as she reconnects with her oldest daughter, Nicola, who has always acted as the mother figure in their relationship. While the story starts out slow, it gives the reader time to take a deep, introspective look at this character, and the writing is fantastic. Paula leapt up off the page. Her emotions are so raw and jarring. She hates her daughter in the same breath as loving her.

This paragraph stuck out to me so much I kept returning to it: “She wants her home back. She wants her nice life back. She wishes Nicola would fuck off and leave her alone. The Charlo damage, the real Charlo pain - it isn’t physical. It never was, once the bones were mended and the bruises faded back behind her skin. The real damage - she can’t face her children, not even in her imagination. They’re like a jury and she’s always guilty - she knows she’s guilty. Nothing will ever make her know or feel any different. He battered the mother out of her.”

The voice and stream of consciousness makes you truly feel like you’re in Paula’s head, which is not an easy place to be. Paula is often in distress, even amidst mundane day-to-day activities, and she recounts memories of her abuse offhandedly throughout the story. This is not a beach read. It’s an emotionally devastating but powerful book that illustrates the enduring power of guilt and shame, exploring how those feelings impact a close family relationship.

I also loved the inverted perspective of this book. Usually, I read books about a mother-daughter relationship from the perspective of the daughter, and the daughter must overcome the trauma the mother inflicted. This is the opposite. It explores that relationship from the mother’s perspective.

Ultimately, despite Paula’s troubled memories, this is a beautiful redemption story for her. She gets the chance to be the mother in this relationship after all this time as she lovingly helps Nicola through her own grief. Trigger warnings of abuse and alcoholism. I would recommend this ten times out of ten to lit fic lovers, but not readers looking for a quick, fun read.

"The Women Behind the Door" by Roddy Doyle is a deeply moving exploration of the intricate dynamics between mothers and daughters, filled with moments of struggle and redemption. Paula Spencer, a character who has faced numerous challenges including addiction and loss, takes center stage in this heartfelt narrative.

The story revolves around Paula's life at sixty-six, where she has finally found a sense of stability and contentment. However, her world is shaken when her eldest daughter, Nicola, arrives unexpectedly seeking solace from her seemingly perfect life. This unexpected reunion sets off a journey of self-discovery and healing for both Paula and Nicola.

What makes this novel compelling is its exploration of complex emotions and family relationships. Doyle delves into themes of regret, reconciliation, and the weight of past struggles with nuance and sensitivity. Readers will find themselves drawn into the lives of these characters, empathizing with their joys, sorrows, and the complexities of their bond.

Overall, it is a poignant and thought-provoking read that delves deep into the intricacies of family ties, offering readers a touching portrayal of resilience, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love.