141-192

Post A

eejit (185)- derogatory name for someone from Ireland.

biro (170)- Irish word for 'pen'


Figurative language

"Her body was a map of his scars (150)"

Metaphor for the pain he caused her. I like the 'map', like there's a story to ever scar.


'It feels strange, knowing the house is empty." (174)

Metaphor for Paula's new life away from the drink.



'Is this the way she'll save Leanne? Find a bottle and put her mough to it? Pull her head back. And Leanne will be saved.' (180)

Don't know what this is called, but it's mother becoming daughter and likewise. Thought it was clever.


Quote:

'He's having his bowl of cornflakes standing up' Before, the cornflakes have alwalys been at the table! This is a major character change. I like how the author incorporates small things into the story, it lets the reader think about the plot for themselves.

Theme:

Switching. Leanne and Paula, John-Paul and Nicola, her sisters, everyone is switching roles. They each show something within them that Paula has never seen before. Confusion? Yes. Expected? Of course.



Post B


Dear Mr. Doyle,
I am really beginning to get into your book. I must admit, when I first set eyes on it, it looked a bit standoffish, but now that I am more than halfway, I really do sympathize with your characters. They do say that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover, so I guess shame on me, right? But I do have to say that you are a phenomenon writer, and your style is stunningly knitted together with theme. I enjoy reading mostly because you show me how lucky I am, how incredible it is to have what I do. Secondly, I love how simple Paula is. She is ordinary, and I like that you didn’t compromise her character with some huge secret or superhero quality, which would have- pardon- completely ruined it. I like her just the way she is, and I think her struggles show her character in more ways than just the alcohol business. Because as important as that it, it’s not the only thing necessary to show off a character. As you say, ‘anyone can be an alcoholic’. Right?
Mostly, your dialogue impresses me. I like the way you have to read between the lines to see what people mean. This reminds me of Richard Wright’s Black Boy which had similar qualities. I like the way you are delving into Leanne more. She is very vague, but very interesting. I feel like Paula at times, like I’m just about to understand something about her, but it bounces off my fingertips.