Author:Irvine Welsh
Irvine Welsh turns his attention from social critique of working class Edinburgh to the surreal scorched neon backdrop of Las Vegas in this sweeping stansalone new thriller. An already divided family is brought into open warfare when a wealthy couple decide to leave their vast fortune to their Gen Z college drop out grandson, leaving their furious daughter out in the cold and hell bent on revenge. Meanwhile a sinister new neighbour insinuates himself into the already dysfunctional family dynamic, spreading further discord. This is a novel that is something of a slow burner, but once it gets into its stride it unrelentingly gathers pace with each passing chapter until it reaches a breathtakingly unexpected climax. The characters, some more likeable than others, are well drawn and the backdrop of sin city itself, with its unrelenting heat and seedy underbelly and sub culture, is convincingly evoked in this cleverly constructed tale. This propulsive multigenerational saga of Trumpian America is full of the author’s trademark black humour, social realism and biting satire. It’s certainly a change in direction from his more recent work, but nonetheless it’s an enthralling and gripping read that fans of his previous novels will surely enjoy.
Length of Read:Long
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
The author’s previous novels.
One thing you’ve learned
History has a way of repeating itself.
I’ll give it a spin. I generally find his non-Leith books a bit difficult, viz Filth.
Have just started this, encouraged by the good reviews and the fact he’s not milking the Trainspotting universe again. I’m about four chapters in and see he still hasn’t managed to find a good editor to curb his prolix tendencies. The clunky Vegas Gen Z street slang feels a bit forced too. Promising premise tho.
I agree the slang is hard work and does feel a bit contrived.