Book Review : Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

             It may be tempting to put the book down after glimpsing the first couple of pages, convinced that it's written in gibberish. Persevere through a couple of chapters, however, and it'll cease to feel

like you're groping in the dark for some form of comprehension. This book is written in the phonetics of an Edinburgh dialect, and not, as is the case with Anthony Burgess' 'A Clockwork Orange', in a whole new form of the English language (nadsat). So even though it is about twice as long, it isn't as overwhelming.

            The very charm of the book is, in fact, the unique narrative style. It's written in first person perspective, from the points of view of different characters. Every individual has a distinctive style of talking that brings out their characteristics - their personality type, region of birth, thought process, sex ( I was really taken by the accuracy and depth in the narration of the points of view of a few female characters- although some people may disagree) and even their level of education. By doing this, Welsh has acquainted reader with character to an astonishing degree. The first time you notice this, is upon realising that with each chapter change, it isn't immediately mentioned whose point of view the narration is from, yet you know (or atleast can quite accurately guess) which character is being written about. This, more than anything, develops the atmosphere of the story.

                  What is the storyline though? It's secondary. The plot line (or absence of one) follows the lives of a group of heroin addicts and their various acquaintances in Edinburgh, with each thread crossing another as their paths meet. The emphasis of the book seems to be on character development, and the equations between each couple, family, friend group, rival - you name it. It's as if the writer knew them personally, and shared a slice of their lives. The instances described throughout the book are challenging - be prepared to abandon all inhibitions regarding your ideas of morality, ethics, and an altogether repulsive way of life. Most of the exchanges will leave you stunned, and that is probably the point. Welsh keeps it real, laying bare the wretchedness of a world that is too often swept under the rug. Free of pretences, each page reeks with defiance, sardonic introspection, and dark humour.

                And it grows on you. The characters are not without compassion and - in some form - of loyalty. As you begin to accept the grim reality of the life they (or the world around them) have chosen for themselves, it's not difficult to appreciate their brand of wit and friendship.You begin to see really why they each tolerate people like Frank Begbie, for example. The book provides some much needed perspective on the lives of junkies. Revolting though some of them may seem, they're not so bad once you get to know them - that is assuming, of course, you're willing to look past the rampant violence, abuse and adultery.