Trainspotting (original 1993; édition 1996)

I couldn't actually be bothered to finish this book, since the lingo is incredibly hard to read. It's like a modern Robbie Burns poem, times 10, with modern language. It hurts my eyes/brain. Plus the plot didn't really seem to be going anywhere than around and around inside these dope-fiends' minds... ( )

Brutal and beautiful. I think the multiple narrators thing sometimes works a little against the book but overall it's great. ( )

NB-4

I bought this book on offer together with another book, but it was a big mistake. I bought it because on the cover someone was quoted as saying that “it was the best book ever written”; and I neglected to read any of it; had I done so I would never have purchased it.

It is written in some sort of Scottish dialect and the text is filled with the same specific obscene words; I can’t mention them or Amazon will refuse to post the review.

I am myself Scottish but though I have never spoken any such dialect I found it easily comprehensible. Perhaps everyone will.

However, it makes the book unappealing to read. Perhaps it is the best book ever written, but I’ll never find out. Perhaps it is the most vulgar book ever written.

Buy it at your peril. One star. ( )

Should be 5-stars (and many of my 5-star books should be 6-stars).

This book is flawless, it's a great piece. The form - a collection of short stories piled together to make a narrative - is excellent. The tone is perfect.... it's just spot on. ( )