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.