Really, this is a magnificent book. It's got a whirling sort of evasive repetitiousness to it, a language and a tone and a manner of delivering itself, that seems to perfectly capture the mind and personality of a real woman-- a real abused housewife, someone who truly experienced all of this. I can't think of a better example of an author so inhabiting a character so different from himself in such a perfect way.

Disturbing, but definitely worthwhile. I read it in a single day. It's not a book with a strong through-plot-- it's a woman recalling her life. It's a peep into someone else's mind. It's quite tremendous. ( )

Roddy Doyle has the craft to mix a dark theme with a light read and still be serious. This, I think is the greatest achievement of this novel. We are drawn to both like Paula and despair at her, and yet still understand her inability to free herself. This is a finely constructed portrait of self-deception and a brilliant analysis of the problem domestic violence poses for us as a society. This is not an easy problem to solve whilst defending liberal ideas of a right to privacy. ( )

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.

Written from a first person perspective, it is astonishing how Doyle has perfected the emotional confrontation suffered by such woman as Paula. Its also a warm and charming account. Given the nature of the subject, it might come as a surprise to find it is also very funny in places as well as being deeply upsetting in others.

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. ( )

I feel ambivalent about it. I like that she stood up for her daughter but why didn't she stand up for her kids earlier? Why was direct violence against her kids so anathema but the constant violence against her was okay for them to witness? I don't really understand the mindset of abused women. Still, an interesting book and I am glad I read it. ( )

It's all been done before...
But, I do like the way he developed Paula's likeability, she grows on you. ( )