“The Woman Who Walked Into Doors” is set in Dublin and is told by Paula Spencer, a woman in her late thirties. Both Paula’s parents are dead, while only two of her siblings ‘appear’ in the book – her sisters, Carmel and Denise. She did have another sister, Wendy, who died in a motorbike accident, while her brothers – Roger, Edward and George – are only ever mentioned in passing. Paula’s relationship with her father had once been good, though it seemed to have deteriorated as time went on. (Carmel, on the other hand, hated their father and subscribes to the view that all men are b@$t@rds). Paula, meanwhile, hasn’t Roger in years, and isn’t particularly bothered about it – theirs was another difficult relationship.

However, it’s Paula’s relationship with her husband, Charlo, that’s central to the book. They have been separated for over a year as the book opens – though they are still technically, married. They couple had four children together, three of whom still live with Paula. (She hasn’t seen her eldest son, John-Paul, in quite some time: she last heard of him squatting in some flats and suspects he’s on heroin). She works as a cleaner, just about earns enough to make ends meet and is an alcoholic. As if all that isn’t enough, the book opens with the arrival of a policeman at her front door to inform her of Charlo’s death. Paula spends the book looking back over her life in general and her time with Charlo in particular.

While it isn’t always a very cheerful book, Paula’s story isn’t one that will leave you feeling depressed. She proves to be a character you want the best for and, not only does she manage to raise a smile from time to time, she also manages to leave you with a bit of hope.

This is an excellent book. It is the story of an abused wife (Paula Spencer) told all from her perspective. Heartbreaking and infuriating. I highly recommend this book.