Ah, to learn how Paula Spencer's life turned out after reading The Woman Who Walked Into Doors. It's a worthy bookend.

As a novel, it's not as strong as the earlier haunting work (thankfully), but the same pacing and interior dialogue strengths are here. Where the first book took us deep into the mind of an abused, alcoholic wife, this book takes us deep into the mind of a recovering alcoholic who is struggling to reclaim life and family.

I'm not sure how well it would stand on its own, but if you've read the earlier novel, you'll appreciate this one. Well done to Roddy Doyle.