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Closed Doors
A young boy on a small Scottish island where everyone knows everything about everyone else, will discover that a secret is a dangerous thing in this tense and brilliant tale of from Lisa O'Donnell, the bestselling author of The Death of Bees, winner of the 2013 Commonwealth Book Prize.
Eleven-year-old Michael Murray is the best at two keepy-uppies and keeping secrets. His family thinks he's too young to hear grown-up stuff, but he listens at doors; it's the only way to find out anything. And Michael's heard a secret, one that might explain the bruises on his mother's face.
When the whispers at home and on the street become too loud to ignore, Michael begins to wonder if there is an even bigger secret waiting to be discovered. Scared of what might happen if anyone finds out, and desperate for life to be normal again, Michael sets out to piece together the truth. But he also has to prepare for the upcoming talent show, keep an eye out for Dirty Alice, his arch-nemesis, and avoid eating Granny's watery stew.
Closed Doors is a vivid evocation of the fears and freedoms of childhood and a powerful tale of love, the loss of innocence, and the importance of family in difficult times.
Eleven-year-old Michael Murray is the best at two keepy-uppies and keeping secrets. His family thinks he's too young to hear grown-up stuff, but he listens at doors; it's the only way to find out anything. And Michael's heard a secret, one that might explain the bruises on his mother's face.
When the whispers at home and on the street become too loud to ignore, Michael begins to wonder if there is an even bigger secret waiting to be discovered. Scared of what might happen if anyone finds out, and desperate for life to be normal again, Michael sets out to piece together the truth. But he also has to prepare for the upcoming talent show, keep an eye out for Dirty Alice, his arch-nemesis, and avoid eating Granny's watery stew.
Closed Doors is a vivid evocation of the fears and freedoms of childhood and a powerful tale of love, the loss of innocence, and the importance of family in difficult times.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2013
72 people are currently reading
1669 people want to read
About the author
Lisa O'Donnell
4 books179 followersLisa O’Donnell winner of The Orange Prize for New Screenwriters with her screenplay The Wedding Gift in 2000. Lisa was also nominated for the Dennis Potter New Writers Award in the same year. She moved to Los Angeles with her family in 2006, penning her first novel The Death of Bees in 2010. Published to critical acclaim by Windmill Books in 2012 The Death of Bees will be published in the US by Harper Collins January 2013. The author is very excited!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
March 5, 2014
Last year I read O’Donnell’s debut novel, The Death of Bees, and loved it! I have been keeping an eye out for her ever since, so I’m happy to read this one, her second novel. With a charming eleven year old narrator, Michael, the book immediately draws in the reader. Along with Michael, you learn through the titular closed doors all the comings and goings in this small Scottish town set in the 1980s. The setting and time period feel fully realized and completely authentic. When violence falls upon Michael’s mother, Rosemary, the entire dynamic of the family begins to change. Michael does his best to do the right things, but also to dig into the mystery of what exactly happened - and who is responsible.
It is a fast-paced novel and just flows so organically that it becomes almost an extension of your own arm as you attempt to multitask whilst reading. The point of view works so well and allows the characters other than Michael to feel more real too - something that is not always the case in a first-person perspective. O’Donnell maintains this perspective consistently - giving it quite a different feel from her first novel which showed the creation of a real family. Here, the family struggles to come together. But like her first novel, despite the youth of the narrator, this isn’t really a coming-of-age story. Certainly, Michael learns much about the world here, but it is more the story of his entire family as well as the story of this small community. It tackles tough topics and filters them through Michael’s eyes to add a surprising amount of charm and even humour to what is otherwise a deeply sad story. It is a strong, well-written second novel and I will continue to follow this talented author!
It is a fast-paced novel and just flows so organically that it becomes almost an extension of your own arm as you attempt to multitask whilst reading. The point of view works so well and allows the characters other than Michael to feel more real too - something that is not always the case in a first-person perspective. O’Donnell maintains this perspective consistently - giving it quite a different feel from her first novel which showed the creation of a real family. Here, the family struggles to come together. But like her first novel, despite the youth of the narrator, this isn’t really a coming-of-age story. Certainly, Michael learns much about the world here, but it is more the story of his entire family as well as the story of this small community. It tackles tough topics and filters them through Michael’s eyes to add a surprising amount of charm and even humour to what is otherwise a deeply sad story. It is a strong, well-written second novel and I will continue to follow this talented author!
October 2, 2014
Interesting plot -- in a small, struggling Scottish town, a young woman is raped and badly beating while walking home from work one night, and her shame prevents her from going to the police. Thus, the townspeople assume her husband has beat her, she goes through intense depression which worsens when the rapist attacks a teen, and then, a pregnant neighbor. As her family is destroyed she struggles with the horror of what she has gone through and what she has put others through.
But...the narrator is the 11 year old son of the woman who was raped first. While some writers have told a story successfully through a child's voice (Room) or even a dog's (Art of Racing in the Rain), this does not ring true at all. I had thought, both from the cover and from the immaturity of the character, that the narrator was about 8 years old, until it was his 12th birthday. The rage the boy is supposed to feel is not there, his confusion is all that comes through, confusion about what happened to his mother, his parents' relationship, sex, girls, and on and on.
So, good tale, but not well told.
But...the narrator is the 11 year old son of the woman who was raped first. While some writers have told a story successfully through a child's voice (Room) or even a dog's (Art of Racing in the Rain), this does not ring true at all. I had thought, both from the cover and from the immaturity of the character, that the narrator was about 8 years old, until it was his 12th birthday. The rage the boy is supposed to feel is not there, his confusion is all that comes through, confusion about what happened to his mother, his parents' relationship, sex, girls, and on and on.
So, good tale, but not well told.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2016
review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Harper via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is May 20, 2014.
This was a very unique read for me. Told through the innocence of an eleven/twelve year old boy you experience the horror of the impact of a truly hideous crime. In the innocence of the age the reader sees him try to piece together and understand the crime and the impacts it is having on his world.
I must admit that I had quite a few giggles when Michael voiced his opinions and thoughts in a way only a child of his age would. His love hate relationship with Dirty Alice was one of the high points of story for me.
This books tackles a very serious issue and the fallout from it. By telling it through the eyes of a child it allows the reader to see how far reaching the impacts can be felt when a life altering event occurs. It portrays how there are more victims than just the person who was targeted for a crime. I have never read a story from this perspective and I found that I quite enjoyed it.
I must admit that there were several times throughout the story that Michael got on my nerves. He just didn't seem to get things however I believe this may have been intentional. He was eleven after all and most eleven year olds do not see past the things that directly impact them. I am also no expert on children so perhaps it may be a low tolerance for me. I also found that the narrative always had people "screaming" "yelling" or "crying". I felt there was an overuse of these phrases. Again this could have been intentional based on the subject matter of the story.
This was a quick and easy read on a serious topic told from a unique perspective. I enjoyed it and I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to read it.
3.5 stars
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher Harper via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is May 20, 2014.
This was a very unique read for me. Told through the innocence of an eleven/twelve year old boy you experience the horror of the impact of a truly hideous crime. In the innocence of the age the reader sees him try to piece together and understand the crime and the impacts it is having on his world.
I must admit that I had quite a few giggles when Michael voiced his opinions and thoughts in a way only a child of his age would. His love hate relationship with Dirty Alice was one of the high points of story for me.
This books tackles a very serious issue and the fallout from it. By telling it through the eyes of a child it allows the reader to see how far reaching the impacts can be felt when a life altering event occurs. It portrays how there are more victims than just the person who was targeted for a crime. I have never read a story from this perspective and I found that I quite enjoyed it.
I must admit that there were several times throughout the story that Michael got on my nerves. He just didn't seem to get things however I believe this may have been intentional. He was eleven after all and most eleven year olds do not see past the things that directly impact them. I am also no expert on children so perhaps it may be a low tolerance for me. I also found that the narrative always had people "screaming" "yelling" or "crying". I felt there was an overuse of these phrases. Again this could have been intentional based on the subject matter of the story.
This was a quick and easy read on a serious topic told from a unique perspective. I enjoyed it and I am thankful that I was given the opportunity to read it.
September 25, 2014
Liked the concept, did not like Michael, or the very last pages.
July 25, 2015
Zu Jahresbeginn 1983 wird Michael Murray 12 Jahre alt. Michael pubertiert zwischen Kindsein und Heranwachsen; er weiß noch nicht, ob er Mädchen faszinierend oder abstoßend finden soll. Es ist das Jahr, nachdem der Eurovision Song Contest zum Groll der Briten und Schotten mit „Ein bisschen Frieden“ gewonnen wurde und Jungen ein Rad mit Bananensattel und Fransen an den Griffen geschenkt bekommen. Es ist auch die Zeit, in der Kinder aus dem Zimmer geschickt werden, wenn Erwachsene sich über Dinge unterhalten, die sie ungeeignet für Kinderohren finden. Schlimm wird es erst, wenn Kinder nicht mehr aus dem Raum geschickt werden, weil die Erwachsenen deren Anwesenheit im Eifer nicht bemerken. Wie vermutlich alle andere Kinder auf der kleinen schottischen Insel im Firth of Clyde an der Küste vor Glasgow versucht Michael, sich zurück zu schleichen und hinter die Geheimnisse zu kommen. In seiner Familie köcheln diverse Konflikte unter der Oberfläche, ausgelöst durch Arbeitslosigkeit, persönliche Schicksalsschläge und dörfliche Moral.
Obwohl Michaels Mutter sich wunderbarerweise im gemeinsamen Haushalt mit ihrer Schwiegermutter sehr gut versteht, wird über die Arbeitslosigkeit des Vaters gestritten, über die Thatcher-Politik und darüber, wie katholisch ein Kind sein kann, dessen Mutter Protestantin ist. In dieser Situation der Sprachlosigkeit wird Michaels Mutter abends im dunklen Park überfallen und deutlich sichtbar verletzt. Was wirklich vorgefallen ist, wird Michael eisern verschwiegen, obwohl die unausgesprochene Angst der Erwachsenen vor dem großen Unbekannten nicht zu übersehen ist. Aus Angst vor dem Dorftratsch will die Mutter die Tat auf keinen Fall bei der Polizei anzeigen. Wie man sich leicht vorstellen kann, bringt sie damit ihren Mann, der gern mal tief ins Glas schaut, in eine peinliche Situation. Durch ihr Schweigen verhindert sie außerdem, dass mögliche weitere Opfer des Täters gewarnt werden. Selbst ein Gespräch zwischen Vater und Sohn kann Michaels Problem nicht lösen, weil die Fakten noch immer nicht auf den Tisch kommen.
Fazit
Die Ereignisse in der Folge einer Gewalttat werden konsequent aus der Sicht eines Elfjährigen erzählt, dessen Sprache aus heutiger Sicht sehr naiv wirkt. Wie hätte sie zu der Zeit auch anders sein können, wenn Kinder entweder im Lexikon zwischen aufgeschnappten Reizwörtern hin und her blättern oder ihr Halbwissen miteinander vergleichen konnten. Michael spricht zwar wie ein viel jünger wirkendes Kind, aber seine Schlussfolgerungen sind alles andere als naiv. Am Ende überwindet seine Mutter Angst und Scham, Michael erfährt Dinge, vor denen seine Eltern ihn lieber bewahrt hätten – und die Sache mit den Mädchen stellt sich als nur halb so schlimm heraus.
Obwohl Michaels Mutter sich wunderbarerweise im gemeinsamen Haushalt mit ihrer Schwiegermutter sehr gut versteht, wird über die Arbeitslosigkeit des Vaters gestritten, über die Thatcher-Politik und darüber, wie katholisch ein Kind sein kann, dessen Mutter Protestantin ist. In dieser Situation der Sprachlosigkeit wird Michaels Mutter abends im dunklen Park überfallen und deutlich sichtbar verletzt. Was wirklich vorgefallen ist, wird Michael eisern verschwiegen, obwohl die unausgesprochene Angst der Erwachsenen vor dem großen Unbekannten nicht zu übersehen ist. Aus Angst vor dem Dorftratsch will die Mutter die Tat auf keinen Fall bei der Polizei anzeigen. Wie man sich leicht vorstellen kann, bringt sie damit ihren Mann, der gern mal tief ins Glas schaut, in eine peinliche Situation. Durch ihr Schweigen verhindert sie außerdem, dass mögliche weitere Opfer des Täters gewarnt werden. Selbst ein Gespräch zwischen Vater und Sohn kann Michaels Problem nicht lösen, weil die Fakten noch immer nicht auf den Tisch kommen.
Fazit
Die Ereignisse in der Folge einer Gewalttat werden konsequent aus der Sicht eines Elfjährigen erzählt, dessen Sprache aus heutiger Sicht sehr naiv wirkt. Wie hätte sie zu der Zeit auch anders sein können, wenn Kinder entweder im Lexikon zwischen aufgeschnappten Reizwörtern hin und her blättern oder ihr Halbwissen miteinander vergleichen konnten. Michael spricht zwar wie ein viel jünger wirkendes Kind, aber seine Schlussfolgerungen sind alles andere als naiv. Am Ende überwindet seine Mutter Angst und Scham, Michael erfährt Dinge, vor denen seine Eltern ihn lieber bewahrt hätten – und die Sache mit den Mädchen stellt sich als nur halb so schlimm heraus.
October 22, 2021
Closed Doors was my first read by Lisa O'Donnell. I had goose bumps when Michael Murray was telling his story. This story was a bit sad but it also had funny times. I didn't know how I was going to like this story, but overall it was a good story. Lisa O'Donnell has a way of engaging her readers and not letting them go.
Closed Doors is told by eleven/twelve year old Michael Murray. Michael and his family live on a small Scottish island, where everyone knows everything about everyone else. There are only two things that Michael is good at; keeping secrets, and playing hacky sack. Michael is preparing for a talent show with his friends, but when his mom comes home all bruised up everything goes wild. Michael's family thinks he's too young to hear grown-up stuff, but he listens at closed doors when he thinks no one is there.
Michael's heard a secret that he shouldn't know of, which explains for the bruises on his mother's face. This changes everything for his family and friends, tempers flare, nasty looks are given, nasty words are shared with others when finally the truth comes out. When Michael learns what happened to his mother, he is not to speak of them with other people. Michael thinks his mother doesn't love him anymore when she doesn't tell him the secret herself.
Closed Doors is told by eleven/twelve year old Michael Murray. Michael and his family live on a small Scottish island, where everyone knows everything about everyone else. There are only two things that Michael is good at; keeping secrets, and playing hacky sack. Michael is preparing for a talent show with his friends, but when his mom comes home all bruised up everything goes wild. Michael's family thinks he's too young to hear grown-up stuff, but he listens at closed doors when he thinks no one is there.
Michael's heard a secret that he shouldn't know of, which explains for the bruises on his mother's face. This changes everything for his family and friends, tempers flare, nasty looks are given, nasty words are shared with others when finally the truth comes out. When Michael learns what happened to his mother, he is not to speak of them with other people. Michael thinks his mother doesn't love him anymore when she doesn't tell him the secret herself.
May 26, 2014
No kidding, unputdownable. I carried it from room to room. Fortunately, we don't have stairs! Told in the voice of 11-year-old Michael Murray, a Scottish lad living in a small town on the west coast, this is a compelling read. Michael hears something shocking from behind a closed door. He eavesdrops like all kids do. When his Ma and Da find out he's heard, he's sworn to secrecy. But it's a hard secret to keep. He's 11, after all, and the kids in town sense something is not right. This little guy is some kind of hero for keeping his mouth shut, and his folks, while good people, really got it wrong. Anyway, superb story. Very entertaining read. Five stars.
June 3, 2018
Sitting at about 3.5 stars, this was a quick read that still packed a lot of punch. The story is told through the perspective of Michael, an 11 (almost 12) year old boy grappling with the stress of adult issues in a world he is not prepared to face.
When Michael's mum returns home badly beaten and obviously defiled, the family decides survival can only be found through silence and secrecy. Through the lens of an 11 year-old this is complicated, and add to that his own coming-of-age awareness and curiosity to the world of the opposite sex, and his life begins to feel as thought it is coming apart.
My biggest complaints about this book were the actual writing style it was presented in. I had a hard time connecting with Michael's voice- and his hatred towards some of the other kids played like a worn-out record. At times his thoughts felt like a 5 or 6 year old, other times he was more mature. It was hard to relate to him as a narrator. Lots of repetition, lots of worn out phrases, and just over all the same thing seemed to happen again and again. The stupidity of the family and the way they handled the situation was beyond mind-boggling. It was more a contrived anger then frustrated connections as a reader, but that could have just been my lack of connection with aspects of the story. Those were the reasons this dropped a bit in rating for me.
In the end, as more bits come together, I appreciated the conclusion as a reader, but I still feel like there was just an overall lack of luster to the entire story. It sits slightly above average, because it did keep me engaged, and for readers who like the strange unfolding of a family tragedy, topped with dysfunctional coping, this will keep you turning the pages. It reminded me of a YA version of We Were The Mulvaneys at times- the dark, lost feel of a family in crisis. The feel of tension was presented well enough that I have added the author's other book to my TBR list.
When Michael's mum returns home badly beaten and obviously defiled, the family decides survival can only be found through silence and secrecy. Through the lens of an 11 year-old this is complicated, and add to that his own coming-of-age awareness and curiosity to the world of the opposite sex, and his life begins to feel as thought it is coming apart.
My biggest complaints about this book were the actual writing style it was presented in. I had a hard time connecting with Michael's voice- and his hatred towards some of the other kids played like a worn-out record. At times his thoughts felt like a 5 or 6 year old, other times he was more mature. It was hard to relate to him as a narrator. Lots of repetition, lots of worn out phrases, and just over all the same thing seemed to happen again and again. The stupidity of the family and the way they handled the situation was beyond mind-boggling. It was more a contrived anger then frustrated connections as a reader, but that could have just been my lack of connection with aspects of the story. Those were the reasons this dropped a bit in rating for me.
In the end, as more bits come together, I appreciated the conclusion as a reader, but I still feel like there was just an overall lack of luster to the entire story. It sits slightly above average, because it did keep me engaged, and for readers who like the strange unfolding of a family tragedy, topped with dysfunctional coping, this will keep you turning the pages. It reminded me of a YA version of We Were The Mulvaneys at times- the dark, lost feel of a family in crisis. The feel of tension was presented well enough that I have added the author's other book to my TBR list.
July 25, 2013
I loved CLOSED DOORS, and was enchanted by the voice of 11-year-old Michael and his interpretation of the world around him. As with DEATH OF BEES, O'Donnell successfully pulls the reader into the universe of her characters with sensitivity, spot-on storytelling, and humor.
July 14, 2018
Die Geheimnisse der Welt ist schon der zweite Roman von Lisa O'Donnell den ich lesen durfte und der mich recht nachdenklich zurücklässt.
Wir erleben die Geschichte aus Sicht des elfjährigen Michael Murray, der mit seinen Eltern und seiner Großmutter auf einer kleinen schottischen Insel lebt. Dort kennt jeder jeden und natürlich glaubt auch jeder alles über jeden zu wissen. Als es zu einem schrecklichen Vorfall kommt, der die ganze Familie tief erschüttert und an ihre Grenzen bringt muss Michael lernen Geheimnisse zu wahren, die er selbst gar nicht richtig begreifen kann.
Die Autorin versteht es sehr gut die Stimmen und Gedanken von Kindern und Jugendlichen wiederzugeben. Wie schon in Bienensterben bekommt der Leser auch hier einen völlig andere Perspektive auf die Geschehnisse, da er die Geschichte aus der Sicht eines Elfjährigen miterleben darf, gleichzeitig aber Michaels Beobachtungen ganz anders interpretieren und verstehen kann.
Michael war ein sehr authentischer Charakter. Er benimmt sich durchweg wie man es von einem Elfjährigen erwartet und macht sicherlich nicht alles richtig. Oft spürt man seine Unsicherheit und die pure Verzweiflung, weil er nicht versteht was in seiner Familie eigentlich gerade passiert. Sein Verhalten macht ihn sicher nicht immer zum sympathischsten Charakter, aber genau das macht seine Darstellung so realistisch. Er ist nur ein Kind, das viel zu viel Ballast mit sich rumzutragen hat.
Grundsätzlich schafft Lisa O'Donnell nie die typischen schwarz/weiß Charaktere. Sie gibt allen Personen viel tiefe und entwickelt Persönlichkeiten, die alle ihre Fehler haben, aber gerade dadurch realistisch und menschlich wirken.
Auch wenn Lisa O'Donnells Stil recht einfach ist, befasst sie sich inhaltlich doch mit recht belastenden Themen und schafft interessante Charaktere denen man als Leser gerne folgt und die einem trotz ihrer Fehler schnell ans Herz wachsen.
Wir erleben die Geschichte aus Sicht des elfjährigen Michael Murray, der mit seinen Eltern und seiner Großmutter auf einer kleinen schottischen Insel lebt. Dort kennt jeder jeden und natürlich glaubt auch jeder alles über jeden zu wissen. Als es zu einem schrecklichen Vorfall kommt, der die ganze Familie tief erschüttert und an ihre Grenzen bringt muss Michael lernen Geheimnisse zu wahren, die er selbst gar nicht richtig begreifen kann.
Die Autorin versteht es sehr gut die Stimmen und Gedanken von Kindern und Jugendlichen wiederzugeben. Wie schon in Bienensterben bekommt der Leser auch hier einen völlig andere Perspektive auf die Geschehnisse, da er die Geschichte aus der Sicht eines Elfjährigen miterleben darf, gleichzeitig aber Michaels Beobachtungen ganz anders interpretieren und verstehen kann.
Michael war ein sehr authentischer Charakter. Er benimmt sich durchweg wie man es von einem Elfjährigen erwartet und macht sicherlich nicht alles richtig. Oft spürt man seine Unsicherheit und die pure Verzweiflung, weil er nicht versteht was in seiner Familie eigentlich gerade passiert. Sein Verhalten macht ihn sicher nicht immer zum sympathischsten Charakter, aber genau das macht seine Darstellung so realistisch. Er ist nur ein Kind, das viel zu viel Ballast mit sich rumzutragen hat.
Grundsätzlich schafft Lisa O'Donnell nie die typischen schwarz/weiß Charaktere. Sie gibt allen Personen viel tiefe und entwickelt Persönlichkeiten, die alle ihre Fehler haben, aber gerade dadurch realistisch und menschlich wirken.
Auch wenn Lisa O'Donnells Stil recht einfach ist, befasst sie sich inhaltlich doch mit recht belastenden Themen und schafft interessante Charaktere denen man als Leser gerne folgt und die einem trotz ihrer Fehler schnell ans Herz wachsen.
March 18, 2025
4.5 stars 🌟
Lisa O’Donnell is a really skilled author. I’ve been sleeping on Closed Doors for way too many years. I’ve read The Death of Bees about ten years ago, and loved it. So much so that I bought her other novel, which is this one. And then, I proceed to not read it for nearly a decade.
That’s why I’m finally going through my pile of shame (tower of physical books I’ve been neglecting for years because I’m addicted to my tablet + library books) after years of dragging my big box of books from apartment to apartment.
Closed Doors is from the point of view of a child which means this content isn’t going to appeal to everyone, I could see some readers getting annoying with the tone. I found the narration believable for an eleven year old. The plot flowed very well from one chapter to the other.
Contrary to what it might seems by the look of the cover & the synopsis, Closed Doors isn’t a thriller, it’s the story of a family in crisis. I found it incredibly moving, heartbreaking but also hopeful. I think that’s where the magic of Lisa O’Donnell lies, she can tear you apart throughout her stories and put you back together with her endings. There’s beauty in the breakdown has never been more appropriate of a statement than it is for Closed Doors.
Lisa O’Donnell is a really skilled author. I’ve been sleeping on Closed Doors for way too many years. I’ve read The Death of Bees about ten years ago, and loved it. So much so that I bought her other novel, which is this one. And then, I proceed to not read it for nearly a decade.
That’s why I’m finally going through my pile of shame (tower of physical books I’ve been neglecting for years because I’m addicted to my tablet + library books) after years of dragging my big box of books from apartment to apartment.
Closed Doors is from the point of view of a child which means this content isn’t going to appeal to everyone, I could see some readers getting annoying with the tone. I found the narration believable for an eleven year old. The plot flowed very well from one chapter to the other.
Contrary to what it might seems by the look of the cover & the synopsis, Closed Doors isn’t a thriller, it’s the story of a family in crisis. I found it incredibly moving, heartbreaking but also hopeful. I think that’s where the magic of Lisa O’Donnell lies, she can tear you apart throughout her stories and put you back together with her endings. There’s beauty in the breakdown has never been more appropriate of a statement than it is for Closed Doors.
August 27, 2020
I like coming of age stories and the stream of consciousness that is the narrator's voice. It works well-- and though there were a few inconsistencies with Michael's maturity level and some repetition, the thoughts were believably both perceptive and childish for a 12 year old--- even brought me back to my youth and trying to eavesdrop on adult conversations. There's good tension throughout the book as well as a few laughs, though I wasn't enamored with the ending.
The Death of Bees by O'Donnell was better than Closed Doors in my opinion, but I still flew through this book.
"That girl was saved by God," says Granny, but Granny says that about everything, especially food that's fallen on the floor.
"... This means I always get good sweets and monkey nuts and toffee apples. Sometimes you get fruit. I hate fruit, but it's rude to complain. Once I got a toothbrush, that was the worst. One year people brought eggs to smack on people's windows who didn't like Halloween, like old folk with weak hearts and who maybe couldn't afford to buy the treats, so names were taken and arses were kicked. It never happened again."
The Death of Bees by O'Donnell was better than Closed Doors in my opinion, but I still flew through this book.
"That girl was saved by God," says Granny, but Granny says that about everything, especially food that's fallen on the floor.
"... This means I always get good sweets and monkey nuts and toffee apples. Sometimes you get fruit. I hate fruit, but it's rude to complain. Once I got a toothbrush, that was the worst. One year people brought eggs to smack on people's windows who didn't like Halloween, like old folk with weak hearts and who maybe couldn't afford to buy the treats, so names were taken and arses were kicked. It never happened again."
April 29, 2021
What a nice little sleeper I just grabbed off the library shelf. A quick, easy read that I really enjoyed. The “kid” characters were all great and usually I hate them! This was a coming of age story mixed in with a family secret. Nothing dramatic, just a good book.
Read
January 19, 2023Awwwww ... right sweet, huh! Though not without its share of conflict. Interesting picture of a boy roughly my wife's age growing up in circumstances that are at once familiar and alien to me. Moves very quickly as the boy's narration is totally suited to his age and experience.
February 12, 2024
This was a very interesting read, the characters were very compelling and it was a different viewpoint reading it as if you are the child. I did find it slightly hard going as it felt very choppy and repetitive coming from a child perspective.
January 6, 2015
As seen on my blog:
It has been proven, time and again, what a powerful literary move it is to describe tragedy through a child's perspective. This is the second book in which Lisa O'Donnell has used the innocent, and untainted honesty, of a child's point of view to tell her story. She was, once again, hugely successful with Closed Doors , but I wasn't as blown away this time around. Michael was an entertaining narrator, but there was much left to be desired.
Michael's mother has suffered at the hands of a heartless monster, one who's unseen presence has consumed all sense of normalcy in his family. His father feels helpless; his grandmother, the self-appointed mediator. Michael begins his narrative as an 11-year-old spy, one who's constantly listening at doors, and eavesdropping from the top of the stairs. He catches bits of information, and attempts to unravel the riddles himself. Soon enough, he's completely involved in his family's turmoil, and no longer has to sneak around. He describes events with a voice that is unfiltered in it's truths, all while growing up a little faster than his parents would have otherwise liked.
There were moments that I believed Michael to be his indicated age, other times, he dissolved into a much younger boy of maybe 6, or 7-years-old. The subject matter in Closed Doors was one that slammed so fiercely into your heart, that sometimes it was hard to not crave the perspective of someone more mature, or even the thoughts of the victim herself: Michael's mother. Though, for the most part, the story was told with intense emotion, and it is nearly impossible to not feel for Michael and his family; for the pain that was so clearly radiating from every heated exchange, or swollen silence. It was an interesting dynamic of both a family in turmoil, and a 11-year-old boy constantly interested in what 11-year-old boys are typically entranced by: girls, fights, toys, candy, and friendships. I loved Michael's interactions with the hated "Dirty Alice," it was definitely the comic relief in the novel, and completely in tune with the dialogue I loved so much from O'Donnell's The Death of Bees .
I can't say that I was completely satisfied with the conclusion of Closed Doors -I selfishly wanted some more twists, and some more heart-wrenching revolutions. I felt like the build-up was written in a way that teased of something more, and the ending just fell flat for me. However, this book was definitely another win for the author, and a true testament of her ability to tackle difficult subjects in an unusual, and refreshingly different, way. I will be reading any, and everything, Lisa O'Donnell publishes.
Recommended for fans of: Room by Emma Donoghue, The Round House by Louise Erdich, Contemporary, Controversial Issues.
It has been proven, time and again, what a powerful literary move it is to describe tragedy through a child's perspective. This is the second book in which Lisa O'Donnell has used the innocent, and untainted honesty, of a child's point of view to tell her story. She was, once again, hugely successful with Closed Doors , but I wasn't as blown away this time around. Michael was an entertaining narrator, but there was much left to be desired.
Michael's mother has suffered at the hands of a heartless monster, one who's unseen presence has consumed all sense of normalcy in his family. His father feels helpless; his grandmother, the self-appointed mediator. Michael begins his narrative as an 11-year-old spy, one who's constantly listening at doors, and eavesdropping from the top of the stairs. He catches bits of information, and attempts to unravel the riddles himself. Soon enough, he's completely involved in his family's turmoil, and no longer has to sneak around. He describes events with a voice that is unfiltered in it's truths, all while growing up a little faster than his parents would have otherwise liked.
There were moments that I believed Michael to be his indicated age, other times, he dissolved into a much younger boy of maybe 6, or 7-years-old. The subject matter in Closed Doors was one that slammed so fiercely into your heart, that sometimes it was hard to not crave the perspective of someone more mature, or even the thoughts of the victim herself: Michael's mother. Though, for the most part, the story was told with intense emotion, and it is nearly impossible to not feel for Michael and his family; for the pain that was so clearly radiating from every heated exchange, or swollen silence. It was an interesting dynamic of both a family in turmoil, and a 11-year-old boy constantly interested in what 11-year-old boys are typically entranced by: girls, fights, toys, candy, and friendships. I loved Michael's interactions with the hated "Dirty Alice," it was definitely the comic relief in the novel, and completely in tune with the dialogue I loved so much from O'Donnell's The Death of Bees .
I can't say that I was completely satisfied with the conclusion of Closed Doors -I selfishly wanted some more twists, and some more heart-wrenching revolutions. I felt like the build-up was written in a way that teased of something more, and the ending just fell flat for me. However, this book was definitely another win for the author, and a true testament of her ability to tackle difficult subjects in an unusual, and refreshingly different, way. I will be reading any, and everything, Lisa O'Donnell publishes.
Recommended for fans of: Room by Emma Donoghue, The Round House by Louise Erdich, Contemporary, Controversial Issues.
November 17, 2017
Der zwölfjährige Michael Murray wächst zur Thatcher-Zeit auf einer schottischen Insel auf, in einer typischen Dorfstruktur, wo jeder jeden kennt, trainiert mit Hingabe Ballhochhalten mit seinem Fußball und versucht, möglichst wenig von den ungenießbaren Kuchen und wässrigen Eintöpfen seiner Oma essen zu müssen. Zu den Mädchen im gleichen Alter hat er ein zwiespältiges Verhältnis - eigentlich nerven sie ihn total, besonders die unordentliche "Dirty Alice" mit der großen Klappe, aber die hübsche Marianne fasziniert ihn auch.
Eines Tages gerät diese Welt, die trotz der Arbeitslosigkeit des Vaters ziemlich heil und sorglos für Michael war, durch einen schlimmen Vorfall aus dem Gleichgewicht. Die Familie ist schwer erschüttert, versucht aber nach außen hin, sich nichts anmerken zu lassen, und Michael erfährt nur häppchenweise, was geschehen ist. Als schließlich klar wird, dass Schweigen in dem Fall nicht Gold war, ist es schon zu spät, um zu verhindern, dass andere Menschen mit hineingezogen werden, und Michaels Familie muss sich zusätzlich zu dem schon vorhandenen Trauma auch mit Schuldgefühlen und der Frage, was das Richtige gewesen wäre, auseinandersetzen.
Lisa O'Donnell erzählt die Geschichte von Michael und seiner Familie in einer klaren, knappen Sprache und trifft dabei sehr gut den Tonfall und die Gedankenwelt eines Zwölfjährigen, der kein Kind mehr ist, aber auch, vor allem in den Augen der Eltern, noch lange nicht erwachsen. Neben den üblichen Themen, die einen Jungen in dem Alter so umtreiben, muss er auch mit dem Ereignis fertigwerden, das seine Familie urplötzlich getroffen hat. Offen miteinander reden fällt den Murrays sowieso nicht leicht, kein Wunder also, dass Michael vieles mit sich alleine ausmachen muss.
Es ist starker Tobak, der hier behandelt wird, doch der Autorin gelingt es, das heikle Thema weder zu trivialisieren noch eine deprimierende Psycho-/Sozialstudie daraus zu machen, nicht zuletzt durch die Wahl von Michael als Erzählstimme, der zwar unter der Gesamtsituation leidet, sich aber mindestens genauso viele Gedanken um ganz normale Alltagsdinge eines präpubertären Jungen macht. Ab und zu blitzt sogar ein Fünkchen Humor durch.
Erwähnenswert ist dabei auch die ausgezeichnete Übersetzung von Stefanie Jacobs.
Eines Tages gerät diese Welt, die trotz der Arbeitslosigkeit des Vaters ziemlich heil und sorglos für Michael war, durch einen schlimmen Vorfall aus dem Gleichgewicht. Die Familie ist schwer erschüttert, versucht aber nach außen hin, sich nichts anmerken zu lassen, und Michael erfährt nur häppchenweise, was geschehen ist. Als schließlich klar wird, dass Schweigen in dem Fall nicht Gold war, ist es schon zu spät, um zu verhindern, dass andere Menschen mit hineingezogen werden, und Michaels Familie muss sich zusätzlich zu dem schon vorhandenen Trauma auch mit Schuldgefühlen und der Frage, was das Richtige gewesen wäre, auseinandersetzen.
Lisa O'Donnell erzählt die Geschichte von Michael und seiner Familie in einer klaren, knappen Sprache und trifft dabei sehr gut den Tonfall und die Gedankenwelt eines Zwölfjährigen, der kein Kind mehr ist, aber auch, vor allem in den Augen der Eltern, noch lange nicht erwachsen. Neben den üblichen Themen, die einen Jungen in dem Alter so umtreiben, muss er auch mit dem Ereignis fertigwerden, das seine Familie urplötzlich getroffen hat. Offen miteinander reden fällt den Murrays sowieso nicht leicht, kein Wunder also, dass Michael vieles mit sich alleine ausmachen muss.
Es ist starker Tobak, der hier behandelt wird, doch der Autorin gelingt es, das heikle Thema weder zu trivialisieren noch eine deprimierende Psycho-/Sozialstudie daraus zu machen, nicht zuletzt durch die Wahl von Michael als Erzählstimme, der zwar unter der Gesamtsituation leidet, sich aber mindestens genauso viele Gedanken um ganz normale Alltagsdinge eines präpubertären Jungen macht. Ab und zu blitzt sogar ein Fünkchen Humor durch.
Erwähnenswert ist dabei auch die ausgezeichnete Übersetzung von Stefanie Jacobs.
February 19, 2015
This is a boring book and I wondered why I found it to have such a false tone. Then on page 143 I read this: "Marianne's ma agrees with granny but for the sake of the kids they say nothing and pay their five pence." If they say nothing, how does Michael know what they are thinking. Thereafter I marked with a scrap of paper every place I read Michael explaining what the adults were thinking or what their motives were. I soon had paper every 4 or 5 pages. "He feels he's tried hard with her..." "Ma is very tired because of all the trying Da's been doing..." "...she thinks of telling me to mind my own business..." I feel betrayed by the NYTBR which gave this a good review and compared it to PADDY CLARKE, HA, HA, HA. Not even close. In a good book with a child narrator, often the reader, seeing from the child's point of view, does not know exactly what is going on. The best book at this may be TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD or CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME. In this book the annoying child narrator explains too much.
August 9, 2016
I’ve read Lisa O'Donnell's The Death of Bees twice now and loved it each time so I was eager to read her second novel, Closed Doors, with the hope that it would live up to the wonderful Death of Bees. It so did in every respect. I enjoyed this one even more than The Death of Bees. There is so much more humour in this book compared to Bees and I really loved that about it. It is so well written, so simplistic, the characters are wonderful and the story is an interesting, if sad one. Michael's Granny is a great character in the book. She really reminded me of my own Nana who we lived with for years. She had all the same old sayings and this really brought me back to those wonderful times. One of my favourite books to read so far in 2014. I look forward to Lisa's next book with anticipation, she is fast becoming one of my favourite authors.
November 2, 2016
This is my new favourite book. At first, I was sceptical of the 11 year old's voice and felt it might get tedious, but the author balances the naivety of the narrator with the seriousness and maturity of the adults' dialogue. It's an excellent example of writing through a lens, of seeing something from a different - though very much authentic - perspective. A novel filled with endearing characters, all arranged in a very human-sized setting, somewhat reminiscent of Scout's world in To Kill a Mockingbird. Absolutely brilliant, Lisa O'Donnell!
May 28, 2017
There topics that we're told not to talk about, the topics that are whispered about behind closed doors. The main character of the book learns that after his mother is raped on her way home from work. His little twelve year old mind tries to comprehend the horrible things people are capable of, while also dealing with school, friends, girls, and his family. I understand the authors attempt in showing us the story from a child's mind and while it is not my favorite point of view to read, in this situation it made sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
This book was good, but not great.
It was full of that petty drama that makes up a small town, each and every tiny detail lighting a bigger spark to Michael's knowledge and understanding of life.
It was a nice little story but not worthy of higher than three stars, in my opinion. I did enjoy the moments where Michael felt more intrigued to protect his mother while listening where he wasn't supposed to.
I might try Lisa's other novel, Death Of Bees, but I don't know yet.
It was full of that petty drama that makes up a small town, each and every tiny detail lighting a bigger spark to Michael's knowledge and understanding of life.
It was a nice little story but not worthy of higher than three stars, in my opinion. I did enjoy the moments where Michael felt more intrigued to protect his mother while listening where he wasn't supposed to.
I might try Lisa's other novel, Death Of Bees, but I don't know yet.
July 6, 2013
Great book. Well written, engaging, moving and disturbing and funny. I found this an easy, compelling read.
August 7, 2025
Geheimnisse können eine Belastung sein. Besonders im Fall von Rosemary, Michaels Mutter, da sind sie eine Belastung für die ganze Familie. Ich kann verstehen, dass sie über das Vorgefallene nicht sprechen will. Für sie scheint das Verdrängen der richtige Weg zu sein. Für ihre Familie ist es der falsche. Michael bekommt nur häppchenweise mit, was der Mutter passiert ist. Das beunruhigt ihn. Der Vater fühlt sich in seiner Verzweiflung alleine gelassen. Das klingt zunächst egoistisch, weil ihm nichts passiert ist. Aber ich glaube, zusehen zu müssen, wie ein geliebter Mensch leidet, ist genau so schlimm. Außerdem ist er der Einzige, der weiter sieht. Was ist, wenn noch etwas passiert? Kann die Familie mit der Schuld leben?
Dass Rosemary ihr Erlebnis nicht verdrängen kann, wird im Lauf der Geschichte deutlich. Sie leidet unter Depressionen und zieht sich immer mehr von ihrer Familie zurück. Die Leute im Ort merken sehr wohl, dass etwas nicht stimmt, ziehen aber die falschen Schlüsse. Aus Liebe zu seiner Frau stellt Michaels Vater diesen Irrtum nicht richtig. Und irgendwann ist der Moment verstrichen, wo Rosemary noch zur Polizei gehen kann und sie kann nur noch abwarten.
Das Buch hat mich in seinen Bann gezogen. Die Autorin ergreift keine Partei. Vielmehr beschreibt eindrucksvoll wie jedes einzelne Familienmitglied betroffen ist und wie die Familie daran zu zerbrechen droht. Es ist eine sehr bewegende Geschichte
Dass Rosemary ihr Erlebnis nicht verdrängen kann, wird im Lauf der Geschichte deutlich. Sie leidet unter Depressionen und zieht sich immer mehr von ihrer Familie zurück. Die Leute im Ort merken sehr wohl, dass etwas nicht stimmt, ziehen aber die falschen Schlüsse. Aus Liebe zu seiner Frau stellt Michaels Vater diesen Irrtum nicht richtig. Und irgendwann ist der Moment verstrichen, wo Rosemary noch zur Polizei gehen kann und sie kann nur noch abwarten.
Das Buch hat mich in seinen Bann gezogen. Die Autorin ergreift keine Partei. Vielmehr beschreibt eindrucksvoll wie jedes einzelne Familienmitglied betroffen ist und wie die Familie daran zu zerbrechen droht. Es ist eine sehr bewegende Geschichte
July 29, 2020
This is a small gem of a book. As a reader you find the 11 year old narrator, one Michael Murray, a delightful companion. Michael is a pretty ordinary kind of kid who loves sweets and ice cream and his friends (and enemies) at school. Michael lives with his unemployed Da and Ma and grandmother in Rothsey, a small island community in Scotland where everyone knows everyone else's business. It is the Thatcher era in Britain. Michael's life is turned upside down when his mother is locally raped and refuses to speak of it or report it. She doesn't do well. The rape is to be kept from Michael -- but Michael is very adept at listening behind closed doors. He works things out. The story is a slow burn as other events unfold in Rothsey which ultimately change the trajectory of the book. The characters are lots of fun, particularly Michael's grandmother who must be the worst cook in the world and Dirty Alice, Michael's nemesis and putative love interest. And for once, there's a pretty satisfactory ending.
July 26, 2022
A disturbing event is at the center of this novel, but there are a number of laugh out loud moments. I loved the juxtaposition of the awful with the day-by-day family dynamics. And the scenes with Dirty Alice are so true to life. The narrator is an 11 year old boy (who turns 12 within the novel). I find his voice totally realistic and his behavior realistic as well. Who among us hasn't wanted to listen in to our parents'/adults' conversations? All of us, for sure. The family is at once lovable and annoying, as are most families. I loved how the family suffers through Granny's horrid baking, but tries their best not to hurt her feelings. And Michael's love, nay passion, for chocolate. I related to that, too. Very enjoyable and relatable book.
October 25, 2022
Such a simply told story for such a terrible trauma. It is told from the perspective of an 11-year-old boy. A boy who listens at closed doors to find out what is going on with his family.
This is a story that could be placed at any time in history and in any small town. It takes a little while for the truth to come out, but the story is never boring.
A horrible thing happens to the mother of a family, and she doesn't want to tell the anyone. More terrible things happen to others and she and her family feel responsible. This makes her want to not tell even more.
It is a story of truth and courage and an age-old dilemma that women have faced and continue to face today. A remarkable little book that lets the story speak for itself.
This is a story that could be placed at any time in history and in any small town. It takes a little while for the truth to come out, but the story is never boring.
A horrible thing happens to the mother of a family, and she doesn't want to tell the anyone. More terrible things happen to others and she and her family feel responsible. This makes her want to not tell even more.
It is a story of truth and courage and an age-old dilemma that women have faced and continue to face today. A remarkable little book that lets the story speak for itself.
September 1, 2018
A gritty coming of age story told though the eyes of eleven year old Michael. He lives with his family in a small Scottish town where everyone knows one another. One night Michaels mother comes home from her night job, bloody and bruised, and screaming with terror. Michael tries to find out what happened but he is sent to his room and told that his mother took a bad fall. As time goes on his mother is drastically changed and Michael tries to put together the pieces of the puzzle. In doing so Michael grows up and learns about the ways of the world. A great read. I also enjoyed the author’s first book, The Death of Bees.
February 16, 2018
The second book by Lisa who guided my first steps in creative writing on the island of Skyros last year. Adult issues and behaviours seen through the eyes of an eleven year old narrator who is being shielded from the grown-ups' world. An unusual perspective, unsettling in a way that reminded me of "The Curious Case.....". I struggled with the first Chapters and think this was because I was dipping in and out. Whereas, I finished the last half of the book in a single sitting which was much more satisfying. A good read, although my preference is for her first book "Death of Bees".
July 13, 2018
Have read some of the other reviews and they put into words some of what I was struggling with here - mostly that the narrator's voice often feels much younger than his 11/12 years. However, one must remember that he lives on a tiny island where life is anything but sophisticated. And so it seems fitting that in this secluded, small world, he would be much younger in thoughts and behavior than the 11/12 year olds we all know. Given that perspective, I think the author told a difficult story well.
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