Paula Spencer, by Roddy Doyle

From the author of "The woman who walked into doors," published in 1996, this continues the story of Paula Spencer. Paula has not had a drink for four months and it's wonderful to watch her come alive again. Her husband, the no-good wife-beating jerk, is long dead - shot during the police after a kidnapping. Doyle has a real knack for describing the inner life of a woman, a mother, and an alcoholic. I loved it and cheered for Paula!