The World of Literature

Scotland: Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting

For people in Scotland, Trainspotting was a refreshing take on storytelling because someone was finally writing about their community. Trainspotting gave an insight that was relatable, understandable and stylish. However, Welsh writes in a phonetic Scottish voice and the sight of the vernacular language is enough to drive away anyone that isn’t up for the challenging of having to read a whole novel with a Scottish accent.

Trainspotting focuses on a group of friends from Edinburgh with drug problems and takes the form of some vaguely interlinked short stories which give the reader an insight to a subculture that is both dark and frightening. However, Welsh’s narration will leave you snorting with laughter all the same. The characters are strangely loveable despite their shady lifestyles: even though their social class and bad habits often make people pass them up as hopeless, Welsh has them bubbling with personality, leaving you feel sympathetic towards their inability to rise above their drug addiction, class and lack of direction. ‘Trainspotting’ is a prime example of Irvine Welsh’s talent and so it comes as no surprise to me that he’s surpassed his ‘cult author’ categorisation.

Personally, I regard Trainspotting as a very fine piece of Scottish literature and I wouldn’t for a second hesitate to recommend it to you.

Words by Lisa

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