“Brilliantly evoked in all its sordid detail, black humour, demented courage, and alienation.”
NO MAJOR SPOILERS
Billy And The Devil gives us a dark, stark, sordid insight into the life of an alcoholic. Billy’s grandfather was an alcoholic who stabbed his wife and ended up in prison. Billy’s father, who he never knew until adulthood had major problems with alcohol. Nature or nurture? Some would say the die was already cast.
We see Billy as a small boy enjoying watching tv with his Nannan, as any small grandson would. By his teenage years he’s already drinking heavily both in school and out. And this sets the tone for the rest of his life.
Watching Billy’s descent into alcoholism is like watching a car smash. He lives his life with no meaning, no control, no off-switch. Boundary after boundary comes crashing down until there really is nothing left.