A harsh novel in uncompromising language about the self-destruction of two Liverpool youths as they face the terrible consequences of their crimes of stealing money and drugs and leaving a north Wales postmistress in a coma, by a popular contemporary writer.

Nofel arw mewn iaith digyfaddawd am hunanddinistr dau lanc o Lerpwl wrth iddynt wynebu canlyniadau erchyll eu troseddau o ddwyn arian a chyffuriau a gadael postfeistres o ogledd Cymru mewn coma, gan lenor poblogaidd.

Widely regarded as one of Wales’s best authors, the highly prolific Niall Griffiths is back with a trademark Anglo/Welsh splatter-fest of gore, drugs and a pulsating undercurrent of humanity in a world gone sour – and a great read it is too! Set primarily in Liverpool, the tale revolves around two low level criminals, their violent robbery of a North Wales post office, and the dramatic repercussions their actions, and subsequent journey, have on a myriad of people who meet them on their way home to split the loot.

Filled with suspense, betrayal and a prickly sense of fear and instability, the author’s ability to tie-in meandering tales and explore the inner conscious of all levels of society is, quite frankly, breathtaking. Varying points of view tantalize and tease the reader, exploring thoughts and views even of periphery characters so often ignored in novels of this genre. Indeed, one really feels as if one is virtually omnipresent within the novel’s compelling plot, the expansive set of the book laid out to explore.

However, what really catches the eye, and always draws me into any of Griffith’s novels, is the refreshing spectrum of semantic ability that he displays so assuredly. From epic, memorable prose illuminating the atmospheric Welsh mountains, to the low lit, mind-bending grunge of a dingy Wrexham crack party, every moment is described beautifully, creating vivid images and characters one can almost touch, they seem so real.

Overall, this book is more of the same from Niall Griffiths and that is certainly no bad thing. Graphic, deep and full of emotion, this is the kind of story that is vital in developing a full social conscience, and will take the reader on a tour of the gangster underworld with no punches pulled. Excellent!

Jack Clothier

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru.