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zoe_schlosser's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
lynchian_ahab's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
1.5
henderslam's review against another edition
3.25
I enjoyed this book immensely at the time but none of the stories seem quite as memorable as those in The Acid House. It does contain some vintage flashes of Welsh's genius.
nastam's review against another edition
4.0
A really mesmerising collection of stories about love and drugs and rave. Dirty but frank. Although all three stories have the same core, they are totally different and can stand on their own. I loved this and i really recommend it.
mattycakesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
The stories get progressively better. The first story reminded me of a post-Fight Club Chuck Palahniuk book, where he's basically trying to shock you, but doesn't seem to have quite as solid a message as in previous books. The second one is still attempting to be shocking - and it succeeds at times - but honestly, the only time Welsh feels at home is in the third book, where he's talking about drugged out Scotsmen. It's still not a great story - it could've been in Trainspotting, but it would've been less interesting than all the other parts - but it's better than the first two.
Anyway, if you're a fan of Welsh - which I am - I would read it. Otherwise, read something else.
Anyway, if you're a fan of Welsh - which I am - I would read it. Otherwise, read something else.
satch's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
laurenreads100's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
kriswasp's review against another edition
5.0
Am I incapable of being disappointed by Welsh? So far it seems yes. This is my first of his short story collections. Three tales about love and ecstasy. The first two are shorter, and drop in from the ‘what goes on behind closed doors’ to the frankly bizarre and surreal, and I was here for it.
The third one was longer, more traditional. If Trainspotting is the main quest then this felt like a direct side mission. Trainspotting adjacent but with Spud Murphy and Seeker making cameos. Some of the others are possibly also name dropped in Trainspotting but I can’t be sure.
Ultimately, all 3 stories are a joy, if not for everyone. If this is your first taste of Welsh then…well, it’s about drugs and sex and all the forms of life that orbit that particular pool of people. And it is unflinching. Nothing sugar coated.
I loved it all. His writing is effortless and bounces off the page, knowing exactly what he is writing about and exactly how he wants to write it. You feel as though he knows these characters inside and out, and that they are more than just the words on a page.
He has a gift, he is truly a master storyteller. Do yourself a favour and open your mind to Irvine. You won’t be the same again.
The third one was longer, more traditional. If Trainspotting is the main quest then this felt like a direct side mission. Trainspotting adjacent but with Spud Murphy and Seeker making cameos. Some of the others are possibly also name dropped in Trainspotting but I can’t be sure.
Ultimately, all 3 stories are a joy, if not for everyone. If this is your first taste of Welsh then…well, it’s about drugs and sex and all the forms of life that orbit that particular pool of people. And it is unflinching. Nothing sugar coated.
I loved it all. His writing is effortless and bounces off the page, knowing exactly what he is writing about and exactly how he wants to write it. You feel as though he knows these characters inside and out, and that they are more than just the words on a page.
He has a gift, he is truly a master storyteller. Do yourself a favour and open your mind to Irvine. You won’t be the same again.
whatsatajahism's review against another edition
5.0
Welsh is A MAGICIAN. The way he writes, the stories he tells.... He just does it all with this gritty flair.
The first short story was definitely the most shocking and memorable.
The first short story was definitely the most shocking and memorable.