I’ve been a big fan of Doyle for years, but his latest didn’t do it for me. The protagonist, Paula Spencer was featured in two earlier novels by Doyle. Paula has survived an abusive relationship with her husband, now out of the picture, and is working at a cleaner’s with her new friend, Mary. Her eldest child, Nicola, leaves her husband and children and returns home. Their relationship needs work to recover.

This was a very emotional and captivating read. I really enjoyed reading this. The relationships displayed in this book were very realistic. Especially loved the mother/daughter dynamic and how strong their bond was.

The Women behind the Door-Roddy Doyle, publishing September 10th, 2024 by Knopf Canada.
This novel tells the story of 66 year old Paula Spencer (A familiar character in Doyle’s novels). Paula is finally living her life. She has a job folding laundry, and a man named Joe who she’s fond of, sometimes. She has 4 grown children, with kids of their own. Then her daughter Nicola turns up on her doorstep, and confides in Paula a secret.
I loved many things about this book. It was first time reading Roddy Doyle, and his work was funny and engaging. Doyle writes the character of a 66 year old woman perfectly. And Doyle’s dialect in the book is fantastic. Reminds me of Newfoundland at times.
The star of the book is Paula, and her relationships with everyone around her. Paula and Mary’s friendship is priceless and hilarious. Paula and her relationships with Nicola (the mother, daughter relationship.) It takes over the book, and really made the book for me.
I will be revisiting Doyle’s earlier works. Great book. Funny and loving.
4 doors out of 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and Knopf Canada for the ebook to review. Great book. Recommend.

I’ve read and enjoyed Roddy Doyle before so knew what I was getting into with this book - a captivating, character driven, well developed storyline. That said - I wasn’t aware that Paula was now in her 3rd book! This was a stand alone book - you don’t have to read the others to enjoy - but I think I will now go back and read the others. Shame is a strong theme in this book with a side of grief. It’s heartwrenching and heartbreaking at times but still some hope. Thank you for the opportunity to review this well written book. Be prepared to go on a journey!