Roddy Doyle has written eight novels, including The Commitments, The Van, The Woman Who Walked into Doors, A Star Called Henry, and, most recently, Paula Spencer. He won the Man Booker Prize in 1993 for Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha. He has also written four screenplays as well as several stage plays and books for children and young adults, most recently Wilderness.

Roddy Doyle has earned a devoted following amongst those who appreciate his sly humor, acute ear for dialogue, and deeply human portraits of contemporary Ireland. "The Deportees" is Doyleas first-ever collection of short stories, and each tale describes the cultural collisionaoften funny and always poignantabetween a native and someone new to the fast-changing country. From a nine-year- old African boyas first day at school to a man whoas devised a test for aIrishnessato the return of "The Commitments"as Jimmy Rabbitte and the debut of his new multicultural band, Doyle offers his signature take on the immigrant experience in a volume reminiscent of his beloved early novels.