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thebobsphere's review against another edition
4.0
Many years ago I tired to read Sheepshagger but abandoned it after a few pages. Dialect has never put me off reading but it wasn’t the right time. I have always believed that timing is important when reading a book and in this case, it was.
Sheepshagger’s structure is quite interesting as it’s divided, roughly into three narrative strands. The first deals with a group of friends discussing the fate and psychological milieu of their friend and main protagonist Ianto. The second narrative focuses on certain events in Ianto’s childhood and the third narrative strand is about the actions Ianto’s friends speak about.
But who is Ianto? without giving too much away, he is a troubled youth who has his land taken away from him. Coupled with his childhood experiences, he decides to go on a crusade where he seeks revenge on all those who have shaped or ruined him.
Although the unreliable narrator is often used, this is the first time I have read about a whole group of unreliable narrators. In the sections where Ianto’s friends are discussing him, we get a picture of a mentally ill person, when in reality a lot of his later problems are caused by the same group of friends who are equally unstable.
Sheepshagger is not only a book about a persona losing their mind though. It’s also a jab at social classes and society’s norms. There are philosophical discussions about nature vs nurture and pastoral digressions, probably to show the reader that in the natural world there’s perfect symmetry, while in the human one it’s all wonky.
Unfortunately Niall Griffiths tends to be compared to Irvine Welsh, mainly because both write in dialect, can be disturbing and focus on things like rave culture and drug use but I would not say that Sheepshagger is the Welsh version of Welsh. It stands on it’s own as an examination of an unbalanced society.
Sheepshagger’s structure is quite interesting as it’s divided, roughly into three narrative strands. The first deals with a group of friends discussing the fate and psychological milieu of their friend and main protagonist Ianto. The second narrative focuses on certain events in Ianto’s childhood and the third narrative strand is about the actions Ianto’s friends speak about.
But who is Ianto? without giving too much away, he is a troubled youth who has his land taken away from him. Coupled with his childhood experiences, he decides to go on a crusade where he seeks revenge on all those who have shaped or ruined him.
Although the unreliable narrator is often used, this is the first time I have read about a whole group of unreliable narrators. In the sections where Ianto’s friends are discussing him, we get a picture of a mentally ill person, when in reality a lot of his later problems are caused by the same group of friends who are equally unstable.
Sheepshagger is not only a book about a persona losing their mind though. It’s also a jab at social classes and society’s norms. There are philosophical discussions about nature vs nurture and pastoral digressions, probably to show the reader that in the natural world there’s perfect symmetry, while in the human one it’s all wonky.
Unfortunately Niall Griffiths tends to be compared to Irvine Welsh, mainly because both write in dialect, can be disturbing and focus on things like rave culture and drug use but I would not say that Sheepshagger is the Welsh version of Welsh. It stands on it’s own as an examination of an unbalanced society.
aeblack's review against another edition
2.0
The book is an obvious work of genius but it's hard going. It's gritty, really gritty. And perhaps slightly creepy. If you want to be made uncomfortable for 98% of the book this one is for you. Otherwise put it down and walk away slowly.
greenblack's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
llb's review
5.0
One of my favorite books I've ever read. Very violent but beautifully uses nature as parallels. Really gritty and a good story for people who like that kinda thing.
tararhoseyn's review
4.0
The run-on sentences and sometimes-unusual syntax was difficult to contend with, particularly as the pace at which you have to read differs drastically from one section to the next. Nonetheless, the writing is poetic and compelling, accompanied by a perfectly structured narrative. The type of book that once you finish, you realise how the plot points and order of information fit together effortlessly.
As a warning though you do need a VERY strong stomach to get through this.
As a warning though you do need a VERY strong stomach to get through this.
hollypeckitt's review
4.0
Visceral and frankly horrific, there were a few times where I nearly threw up, but what an incredible book. Read for Masters, Semester 2: Welsh Literature in English
hannah_lou85's review
4.0
I really struggled to rate this novel simply because I'm confused about how I feel about it. It's possibly the most disturbing novel I've read but yet I couldn't put it down. I am so conflicted that I dont even know if I would recommend it to a friend.
There is no doubt that it is extremely well written. If you have a strong disposition I would recommend it. Definitely a novel that will haunt and stay with me for a long time.
There is no doubt that it is extremely well written. If you have a strong disposition I would recommend it. Definitely a novel that will haunt and stay with me for a long time.
emmamcc's review
5.0
A brilliant read, though very disturbing at times the story is extremely captivating and I couldn't put it down
rogerb's review
5.0
I hugely enjoyed this. it's exceptionally well written and far form obvious.
To what extent I was coloured by recognising so many of the places he mentions, and perhaps rather more of the people than I would like to admit, is uncertain - perhaps the impartial reader would find it less enthralling.
He captures wasted young years and behaviour very well - so much that you can begin to sympathise with their terrible behaviour. the poignant history of Wales also emerges, albeit obliquely.
I know why he used this title, but I might have used another :-).
To what extent I was coloured by recognising so many of the places he mentions, and perhaps rather more of the people than I would like to admit, is uncertain - perhaps the impartial reader would find it less enthralling.
He captures wasted young years and behaviour very well - so much that you can begin to sympathise with their terrible behaviour. the poignant history of Wales also emerges, albeit obliquely.
I know why he used this title, but I might have used another :-).
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