Irvine Welsh, born 27th September 1957 is a Scottish novels, playwright and short story writer, best known for his novel Trainspotting, which was later made into a major cult movie. His books aren’t for everyone, and deal with gritty realism in the most honest and humorous way.
Born in Leith, the port of Edinburgh, he grew up on the schemes (that’s run down social housing for the rest of you). It’s little wonder he understands the gritty realism of growing up in these places.
An iconic writer, Welsh sugar coats nothing and his works are peppered with swear words (including some in the quotes, click off now if you’re easily offended), cringe-worthy truths, and authentic dialogue. While Welsh may not be an author for the faint hearted, he has a cult following, and a special place in my own heart as one of my favourite authors.
Trainspotting was his first success, and while Porno is the sequel, the novels in between also take place in the same universe, with many shared characters. His unique writing style and groundbreaking novels earning him a place in any classics list of the future.
“Choose Life. Choose a job. Choose a career. Choose a family. Choose a fucking big television, choose washing machines, cars, compact disc players and electrical tin openers. Choose good health, low cholesterol, and dental insurance. Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments. Choose a starter home. Choose your friends. Choose leisurewear and matching luggage. Choose a three-piece suit on hire purchase in a range of fucking fabrics. Choose DIY and wondering who the fuck you are on Sunday morning. Choose sitting on that couch watching mind-numbing, spirit-crushing game shows, stuffing fucking junk food into your mouth. Choose rotting away at the end of it all, pissing your last in a miserable home, nothing more than an embarrassment to the selfish, fucked up brats you spawned to replace yourselves. Choose your future. Choose life… But why would I want to do a thing like that? I chose not to choose life. I chose somethin’ else. And the reasons? There are no reasons. Who needs reasons when you’ve got heroin?”
Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting
“This is what being alive’s all about, all those fucked up feelings. You’ve got to have them; when you stop, watch out.”
Irvine Welsh – The Acid House
“You can’t lie to your soul.”
Irvine Welsh – Porno
“By definition, you have to live until you die. Better to make that life as complete and enjoyable an experience as possible, in case death is shite, which I suspect it will be.”
Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting
“When two people were in love you had to leave them to it. Especially when you weren’t in love and wished that you were. That could embarrass. That could hurt.”
Irvine Welsh – Ecstasy
“Some people are easier to love when you don’t have to be around them.”
Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting
“Sometimes ah think that people become junkies just because they subconsciously crave a wee bit ay silence.”
Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting
“Don’t let Jesus in. AA is just one obsession replaced with another”
Irvine Welsh – The Bedroom Secrets of the Master Chefs
“It was the books I started reading.
It was the music I started listening to. It was the television I started watching.
I found myself thinking again. I tried to stop because it was only causing pain.
I couldn’t.
When all this is in your head it has to come out into your life. If it doesn’t, you get crushed. I’m not going to get crushed.”
Irvine Welsh – Ecstasy
“It’s easy tae be philosophical when some other cunt’s got shite fir blood.”
Irvine Welsh – Trainspotting
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