aoifec7's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
isolated_matrix's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Addiction
ouchi_ee's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
I had to read this book just a little bit at a time, it was good but challenging not because of the dialect but because it switches from different POVs and it takes a while to know the characters enough to catch on. Gritty, hilarious but revolting and disturbing at times. It’s trainspotting, you know what you’re getting yourself into.
ela_lee_'s review against another edition
4.0
I can’t believe I finally read Trainspotting! I think I first heard about this book over ten years ago. I give it 3.5 stars rounded up for 4 for the overall unique reading experience. It was good…super gritty, masculine energy that was challenging for me to connect with and took me a long time to read. But the profound themes of addiction, poverty, friendship, morality/choice, and the intricacies of Scottish culture, especially set against the backdrop of 1980’s Edinburgh, made it worth the read alone.
Trainspotting offers raw, realistic insight into why addicts can’t get sober while they feel their circumstances are so bleak. It may end up being just enough to witness the tragic fates of party friends who are all starting to get arrested, contract AIDS, or die a tragic death. Looking forward to checking out the movie adaptation.
“You just wanna fuck up on drugs so that everyone will think how deep and fucking complex you are. It’s pathetic and fucking boring.”
"I’ve never felt a fuckin’ thing about countries other than total disgust. They should abolish the fuckin lot of ‘em. Kill every fuckin’ parasite politician that ever stood up and mouthed lies and fascist platitudes in a suit and a smarmy smile.”
“Then I split for Lizzy, mind. Wouldn’t hear of it. Asked you for a hit. I thought, ‘fuck it, I’ll try anythin’ once. Been trying it once ever since.”
Trainspotting offers raw, realistic insight into why addicts can’t get sober while they feel their circumstances are so bleak. It may end up being just enough to witness the tragic fates of party friends who are all starting to get arrested, contract AIDS, or die a tragic death. Looking forward to checking out the movie adaptation.
“You just wanna fuck up on drugs so that everyone will think how deep and fucking complex you are. It’s pathetic and fucking boring.”
"I’ve never felt a fuckin’ thing about countries other than total disgust. They should abolish the fuckin lot of ‘em. Kill every fuckin’ parasite politician that ever stood up and mouthed lies and fascist platitudes in a suit and a smarmy smile.”
“Then I split for Lizzy, mind. Wouldn’t hear of it. Asked you for a hit. I thought, ‘fuck it, I’ll try anythin’ once. Been trying it once ever since.”
djbenson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.5
cardiganuponthelakes's review against another edition
5.0
I had to read this for a group work for my Cinema course, and it was the best choice I could ever have made. This book as a whole (characterization, setting descriptions, writing style... everything) cleared my mind as to my favourite type of books: realistic, YA genre somehow. It just blew me up. I'm really looking forward to reading Porno and Filth.
Irvine Welsh is just one of these unmissable 20th/21st century authors. He's one of the voices of our generation.
Irvine Welsh is just one of these unmissable 20th/21st century authors. He's one of the voices of our generation.
libsmith_'s review against another edition
dark
funny
medium-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
3.5
nigelbrown's review against another edition
5.0
It had the same effect on me as A Clockwork Orange, in that it took quite a few pages to understand what they were saying (and my wife’s Glaswegian). Once you’re on the same page however, (ahem) it becomes a wonderful rollercoaster of a tale that has all your emotions in a tangle.
I sometimes smile at “ laugh out loud” books, but never laugh… until now. Begbie’s trip down to London is hilarious.
I have the sequel the next in the series and it won’t be long before I make a start.
I sometimes smile at “ laugh out loud” books, but never laugh… until now. Begbie’s trip down to London is hilarious.
I have the sequel the next in the series and it won’t be long before I make a start.