Customer Reviews

Trainspotting & Headstate

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I read that half the people who bought the novel "Trainspotting" have never bought a book before! I fall into that category, with the exception of non-fiction. I bought Filth for the flight home from Edinburgh to New Jersey because I had enjoyed "Trainspotting" the movie. Once I started reading it (slowly!) I could'nt put it down. It was absolutely amazing. It helps that I'm originally from around the area I suppose but the fact remains that "Filth" is an amazing book. Bruce Robertson is a thoroughly despicable person (soccer fans will note that Welsh is a Hibernian fan and made Bruce a Hearts fan!). We are supposed to be following Bruce along as he solves a politically sensitive murder case when in fact all we're doing is following his total and complete degeneration. This book is incredibly funny and will test your stomach at times, but for a "non-reader", this will get you into reading, especially Irvine Welsh books of which, this is the best.

Before I discuss, I would like to note for those who are looking for Trainspotting the novel... this is not it. Irvine Welsh adapted his wonderful novel for the stage and this is the result. Along with another play, Headstate, you can enjoy some of the great drama coming out of contemporary Scotland. The play is significantly different from the novel (and the film as well) - different enough that I would call them variations on a theme, but not truly the same story. There is a lot of role-doubling, so if you are not used to non-realist theatre styles, you might not find this work overly palatable. For those theatre buffs out there, it's a great read, and a fun choice for regional theatre companies looking for something new (but you will need actors with solid Scottish accents).

This book is about real people. People who will do whatever they feel. Revenge, stealing, and death are a part of life. and this book covers it. Welsh is an author with a strong understanding of real life. His characters are genuine. It is not hard to think this book could be about real life.

Read the book it far outclasses the film which in itself was very good. END