num_pages: 216
description: Roddy Doyle is one of the most popular Irish writers at work today. His book Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha won the Booker Prize, and The Commitments , The Snapper , and The Van have all been made into feature films. In this first critical look at his oeuvre, Caramine White explores Doyle's innovative use of language; his employment of humor to further his characters' development and manipulate his audience; the role, however slight, that religion and politics play in his writing; and Doyle's overall social vision as projected in each book and as part of a complete body of work. Prominent aspects of each novel are brought to light, for instance, the function of music in The Commitments ; the importance of humor to diffuse tension in The Snapper ; the growing realism and deeper character development in The Van ; the use of double writing in Paddy Clarke ; and the symbolic significance of Paula's life as a metaphor for the abuses women suffer in a patriarchal society in The Woman Who Walked into Doors . White also discusses his recent novel, the critically acclaimed A Star Called Henry . She completes the volume with a transcription of an extensive interview with the author that reveals many facets of Doyle's life reflected in his writing.
language: English
title: Reading Roddy Doyle
titlecomplete: Reading Roddy Doyle
ratings_count: 9
series: Irish Studies, Syracuse University Press
publisher: Syracuse University Press