Walking Wounded [Paperback]

William Mcilvanney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 20, 1999

Set in the fictional town of Graithnock, these linked stories capture the lives of ordinary people, those casualties of social and emotional struggles who defy defeat with humour, resilience and inspiring faith in their dreams. 'A superb collection: a series of brief lives which McIlvanney passes through the eye of a very sharp needle' Literary Review 'Beautifully balances faithful observation with political rage' Mail on Sunday

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A sad, brilliant, joyful tribute to the dreams that never make it' -- Sunday Express 'Angry as well as compassionate. It is a most effective and innovative piece of writing' -- Guardian 'McIlvanney's great skill lies not only in illuminating those fleeting event which hint at, or embody greater truths, but in evoking an entire life within the compass of a few hundred words' -- Sunday Times

About the Author

William McIlvanney is one of Scotland's foremost writers whose award-winning novels include THE PAPERS OF TONY VEITCH, THE BIG MAN, which was made into a film starring Liam Neeson, STRANGE LOYALTIES, and THE KILN. He has also published three books of poetry and a collection of journalism.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Sceptre (May 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034050918X
• ISBN-13: 978-0340509180
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,694,121 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile, July 10, 2011

By 

Reader in Tokyo - See all my reviews

This review is from: Walking Wounded (Paperback)

This book was published in 1989 and contained 20 short stories, the author's first published collection.

The writer's best known for works set in or around contemporary Glasgow. The pieces here portrayed people stuck in dead-end jobs, marriages or lives, and sometimes rebelling against them. Themes included unfulfilled dreams and private longings, the need to seize the day, marriage or a job as a prison sentence, and the power of imagination to liberate.

After many downbeat stories, the last few contained a few positives such as a prison inmate's refusal to capitulate, an adult's second chance at love, an older couple's continuation despite their bickering, and the hopefulness of youth. I enjoyed the linked themes of many of the works. A few of the lesser pieces remained vignettes.

Dubliners it's not, but it was worthwhile for the use of language and insight into the author's concerns.