Crackin' Up
|
Please click on
|
Its not often that a novel finds its way into my book reviews, but as this was described as 'A tale of sex, and drugs and Northern Soul', it clearly qualifies for some consideration. The book works to a tried and tested formula and is in many ways similar to the highly successful 'Skinhead' series of books which were around in the early seventies. It also has a very strong flavour of 'Quadrophenia' about it. The main difference between the anti-heroes of those stories and 'Kenny' is that they were totally amoral without any hint of conscience whatsoever. Joe Hawkins in particular showed not the slightest affection, even towards his own family. Kenny by comparison is a good family boy and has strong family ties, though, like most rebellious teenagers, he resents his father's authority. He is also a loyal friend and once he decided to 'settle down' even became a one-woman man. By Joe Hawkins standards he is a wuss, but from the readers point of view far more likeable and far more credible as a character. Nobody would ever claim that this book any artistic value whatsoever, but in all honesty it was never meant to have. It is pulp fiction pure and simple. It is a predictable mishmash of this type of literature with every ingredient thrown into the melting pot; a football riot, the de-flowering of a virgin, a rape, pitched battles between youth cults, a few slappers, a racial undercurrent, a malicious copper, a few queers and a girlfriend's rich father who tries to bribe the caddish Kenny to stop courting his daughter. Mix it all together and hey pesto, one cult novel. As promised there is a strong 'soul' connection with visits to Blackpool Mecca and the Torch and each chapter borrows its title from a Northern Soul Classic. Although a regular at the Mecca I never went to the Torch, but judging from other all-nighters its portrayal seems accurate. Despite its artistic limitations the book is undoubtedly an enjoyable read and I believe it is soon to be made into a film. I confess that I'll be one of the first in the queue to see it. |
|
Why Not visit the Authors other Website, 'The Alternative Blackpool Website' at http://www.localdial.com/users/jsyedu133/bpool This Site Last Updated 18/05/05
|
the category you wish to choose from the options
below
