Author Roddy Doyle reads his story 'The Buggy,' exploring a man's reflections on parenthood, past experiences with children, and a surprising encounter where he saves a baby in a buggy. The story delves into emotions, doubts, and the roles we play as parents, creating a captivating narrative.
The abandoned buggy symbolizes the man's past struggles and his current detachment from fatherhood.
The interaction with a young woman brings humor and reflection, highlighting the man's contentment and connection with his son.
Deep dives
The Man at the Beach and the Abandoned Buggy
A man encounters an abandoned buggy at the beach facing the sea. Memories of pushing a collapsed buggy years ago resurface as he contemplates the inexplicable presence of the seemingly functional stroller. Despite reluctance, he approaches the buggy, only to find it empty, leading to a mix of relief and frustration.
Recalling Moments of Fatherhood
The man reflects on past experiences of fatherhood, from rescuing one of his children who nearly fell under a train to dealing with a mischievous incident where a buggy was hit by a car. These vivid memories contrast with his current sense of detachment and inability to fully connect with his past actions and emotions as a father.
A Chance Encounter and a Heartwarming Moment
A chance meeting with a young woman at the beach leads to a humorous and reflective interaction. As they discuss the abandoned buggy, the man realizes the woman's assumption of his age and situation, adding a touch of lightness to the serious tone. The encounter ends with the man feeling content and sharing a heartwarming moment with his son over the phone.
Roddy Doyle reads his story “The Buggy,” from the June 24, 2024, issue of the magazine. Doyle is the author of sixteen books of fiction, including the Booker Prize-winning novel “Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha,” and the story collection “Life Without Children.” A new novel, “The Women Behind the Door,” will be published in September.