Good recipe for success
If compared to Welsh's previous works of fiction, this novel certainly stands out because of its "unwelshlike" style.
Here the "bad boy" seems more mature. Despite dealing with the usual themes (Scotland's provincialism, sex, footbal rows, alcoholism and drug abuse), Welsh has sort of lost his impressionist technique (which was brilliant though) so that the narrative sequences are more coherent. His writing is less frenzied than in his other novels.
Language itself is slightly different. Not only is it less explicit, but the characters speak dialect only in moments of high emotional stress.
As to the characters, Danny and Brianare both well-rounded, complex and convincing.
Welsh's fan will love this fantastic parabole of power obession in which the author mocks and denounces the false idols if our age. Excellent read.
