A review by sophiimoyer
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

challenging dark tense slow-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

4.25

I would be lying if I said this book wasn’t tough to read - both because of the prose style in a heavy Scottish dialect and because of the subject matter. But honestly, i think that is what makes this book so amazing. It doesn’t sugar coat the lives of these characters. It is a startling insight into the world of addiction, its impacts on the characters’ lives and the lives of their loved ones, and the societal framework that surrounds those who use drugs. In between the, sometimes, outlandish anecdotes of this friend group, there are some really hard hitting social commentaries about life in Scotland during this time. 100% believe that this book - and Danny Boyle’s film adaptation - deserve all the “hype” it’s been given. 

Choose life. 
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