The Snapper. Roddy Doyle.


This is the second part of the Barrytown trilogy and my second review of Doyle.
Sharon is almost 20, the eldest daughter of a working class Irish family. Her sudden pregnancy and the birth of her snapper dominate the story which contains abundant supplies of black Celtic humour which is typical of Doyle's style. The language can be strong but it adds to the enjoyment and character development.

These people are tough and life can be cruel but they are survivors in spite of their hard exteriors. Jimmy Senior is a typical example of an uneducated and ignorant man who spends most of his time in the pub with his mates, just like Sharon. He does have, however a number of redeeming qualities-he genuinely cares for his family and is supportive of Sharon's pregnancy sticking up for her honour, what little there might be left when she is branded a slut.

It is ironical that Sharon was so blind drunk at the time that a middle-aged, married man was able to rape her in the car park, close to the pub and make her pregnant. Most unfortunate.

We, the reader,  find out the truth of who the father is early in the novel although the characters in the story have to speculate. George Burgess brags to his mates of what a good little ride Sharon was and this puts an end to the speculation and horrifies Sharon's family and friends. Out of humiliation, Sharon vehemently denies it and invents an interesting story that she had wonderful sex with a Spanish sailor. It sounds good but of course, nobody believes her!

The story ends with Sharon going into labour and she names her girl, George, after the father, a short form of Georgina. The film version is based closely on the story, although the father's name has been changed for some reason no doubt. Read the book then try the film.

Jimmy Senior develops as a character and he follows his daughter's  pregnancy closely so that he understands the change in hormones. It also proves to be a good manual on pregnancy!!

Publisher: Minerva. ISBN: 0-7493-9125-1.



 
COPYRIGHT 2012. PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM THE AUTHOR TO USE THIS REVIEW.


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