Trainspotting - The Novel

Before seeing the film that has become a cult classic, I decided to read the book. I read a synopsis of the novel and it was apparent that the novel had caused just as much controversy and partial outrage when it was released in the early 90’s.

The novel (which was written by Irvine Walsh) follows the life of heroin addicts in Edinburgh. The issues experienced by the characters in the book are both gripping and shocking.

The book gives an insight into a world that is not often seen by everyday people and provides accounts on a personal level. Looking at the book critically it may be difficult to grasp an essence of the 90’s Scottish drug sub-culture, but this book does conjure up negative images. The novel may have caused controversy, but I think it is important to discuss and acknowledge current and past sub-cultures and issues that we are usually do not think of on a daily basis.