Nineteen years ago, in June 1994, I married Sharon; a momentous and memorable day indeed. One of Sharon’s bridesmaids, Carol, gave me a wee present to take on honeymoon with me – a copy of Irvine Welsh’s Trainspotting. For some reason, whenever I mention that I read this book on my honeymoon it raises smile, chuckle or eyebrow; sometimes all three. Well, I say for some reason, if you’ve read it, you’ll know for exactly which reasons.
Back in 1994, the book was only just over a year since published, building a cult following, but yet to go stellar. Carol was so effusive in her praise that, though I’d never heard of the book, or Welsh, I was looking forward to trying it. However, as I lay on my sun lounger, slowly crisping in the Greek sun, I began to realise I was reading something very special.
There are so many things about Trainspotting that make it stand out from the novel crowd. The unusual structure, the lack of a proper plot, the ever changing character perspectives and narrative voices, the use of phonetic Edinburgh dialogue and the unremitting realism of the violence and drug taking. I found myself lurching between belly laughs and revulsion in equal measure. I’d never read anything like it. I was truly blown away.
Fast forward to 2013 and, as Irvine Welsh publicised the 20th anniversary of the publication of his immense debut, I decided I would be well served by reading it again. It may seem surprising that I hadn’t revisited the book in the interim, considering how highly I regarded it, but I rarely re-read a book. I know lots of people who do and I’ve got no problem with it, nor do I have any particular reason or principle behind my own avoidance. It’s just kind of how things usually pan out. However, this was no ordinary book and I was intrigued to see what I’d think of it all this time later.
I wasn’t disappointed.
All the things I thought were amazing nineteen years ago hit home with almost as much force. The book is quite simply a masterpiece. Intelligent, challenging, brave, repulsive, insightful, entertaining and original. If you’ve never read it before, and assuming multiple uses of the c word won’t send you running for the hills, then read it. If you’ve read it before but, like me, it’s been a while, treat yourself and read it again. You won’t be sorry.
