In this anaysis of Roddy Doyle's first five novels, Caramine White argues that while Doyle is undoubtedly one of the most popular contemporary novelists, he also needs to be seen as a serious and gifted writer. She offers an overview of Doyle's work followed by a chapter devoted to the critical analysis of each of the five novels in which she scrutinizes Doyle's innovative use of language; his manipulation of his audience's reaction via comedy and humour; the role, however slight, of religion and politics; and his overall social vision as projected in each book and as part of a complete body of work.