Niall Griffiths

Certainly not his strongest work - as an author known for 'edgy' fiction - but a readable travelogue for the most part. . Niall alternates chapters from his initial arrival in Australia as a child with a reminiscent trip with his elder brother, 30 years after leaving - the 10 pound Pom refers to an 'offer' of passage and residency in Australia in the 70's for UK folk. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Pound_Poms). The last chapter though he seems to take a massive dislike of (modern day?) Australia for what appears to be petty reasons and I thought this was unnecessary and certainly seemed a bit OTT. The prose itself when he refers to his childhood is very good in places but only a recommendation for Griffiths fans. (he also mentions his own books appearing in 2nd hand shops on more than one occasion which I thought was a bit micky).… (mer)

Reminiscnet of Grits as opposed to his more recent works, this takes us back to drugs/counter-culture/dole existing on the fringes of society in Wales.

I like NG's stuff but felt it was a bit lazy from him in the subject matter and belongs to his earlier writing style. Still has the somewhat OTT adjective laden sections that feel forced at times. Some of the scenes I think also were for pure shock value and didn't do anything for the narrative. You'll know the ones I mean if you read it ....… (mer)