IRVINE WELSH - FILTH

Another classic from Welsh here. DS Bruce Robertson brings a new meaning to corrupt cop in this seedy and dirty tale of a man on the edge. Racist, sexist, pig headed, arrogant, power crazed, manipulative, drug snorting, Fast food guzzling, worm ridden, small minded, petty, and violent. These are just some of the words you can use to describe the main character of the novel as his life slowly unravels around him until the end of the book where some shocking revelations shed some light in this nasty piece of work. As he cavorts from smutty deed to the next bacon sandwich DS Roberts remains despite his actions a likeable character in some ways, mainly because ultimately you have some empathy for someone who turns out to be really quite pathetic. I loved this, up there with Trainspotting and Acid House for me. Looking forward to the film and all.

HERMAN HESSE - THE GLASS BEAD GAME

Not his greatest, it's probably a hundred pages too long, but still worth a read. Hesse covers familiar territory here with a story about learning and teaching and the battle between the artistic, liberal and the conservative, studious side of the various characters and institutions. Typically philosophical Herman Hesse once again makes us ponder and cogitate on his interesting writing.

WILLIAM BURROUGHS - CITIES OF THE RED NIGHT

Absolutely bonkers novel from easily one of my favourite writers. Every time you think you have a hold of the narrative of this book it twists and turns and your left scratching your head. Combining Historical and adventure fiction with sci fi and typical 50s beat sparse prose this book spans a bizarre satirical attack on modern culture and society. Probably some of his best work combing his earlier more "straight" prose with his later cut up work this will fuck your head. Part one of three, so if you like this one there are another two to expand your pathetic hippie mind.

LOUIS FERDINAND CELINE - JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE NIGHT

A thoroughly miserable nihilistic view of the world told in a semi-autobiographical  account of Celine's life including his time in the First World War, in colonial Africa, America and in Paris working as a Doctor. Extremely early for this sort of writing, you can argue convincingly that without Celine there is no Miller, Burroughs, Bukowski et al and I am inclined to agree. Having said that I found this a difficult read mostly down to the slow pace in parts and the constant complaining. Also I found out later that he was Nazi sympathiser who hated jews the fascist pig (not that any of that is suggested in this book). Still worth a scan with your measly eyes though.

RUSSELL HOBAN - PILGERMANN

I have to say that I am a huge fan of Russell Hoban and this book only serves to confrim that for me. Both Fremder and Riddley Walker are visionary, mind boggling reads and this is no different. The story of a medieval Jew who ends up on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem after talking to Jesus. The story weaves together traditional narrative alongside metaphysical and existential philosophical thought, extreme violence, humour, history and some hugely odd surreal moments including and talking bear. Just read it and then you will see what I am talking about.

KENNETH COOK - WAKE IN FRIGHT

John Grant does not enjoy his job as a teacher in the heat and dust of some two bit Australian town and right from the beginning of the book its clear he can't wait to be back in "civilized" Sydney. Things however don't go too well for him and everything becomes a bit of an alcohol fuelled nightmare. It has to be said he is probably his own worst enemy, but you can't help despite his snobbery but feel sorry for this naive lad just looking forward to getting home. Some times the writing is a little clunky but he conveys the heat, dust and desire for booze perfectly. The scenes involving drinking shortly after waking up are brilliantly horrible and queasy and the middle hunting scene is a doozy. Interesting commentary on Australian culture and the split between "civilized" western Australia and the "neanderthal" interior. It was made into a film which I havent seen although its meant to be really good.  Great holiday read, short, sharp, entertaining and memorable. 

JAMES KELMAN - HOW LATE IT WAS HOW LATE

A great scottish novel this one. A story about a serious fuck up called Sammy who manages to end up in a cell after being beat to fuck by some coppers. He leaves the cop shop blind, without any money, with no idea where his girlfriend has gone or what happened in the last few days. This is just the first 50 pages, a hard slog for comprehension and sometimes just existence ensures for our poor protagonist  Miserable and paranoid in parts, but also quite upbeat with a constant inner monologue in broad Glaswegian providing some funny insights. There is certainly some social commentary particularly with parts involving government procedure and bureaucracy,
 but you can't help but feel at times Sammy is his own self pitying worst enemy. Good gritty Scottish socialist novel though.