Set against the backdrop of the youth gang culture in 1970s Glasgow. The novel movingly shows the gradual mental disintegration of a well intentioned teacher trying but failing to comprehend the changes going on around him.

The novels themes are universal - failure, loss and communication breakdown but are set in an authentically Scottish context. The novels closing pages - a hyper surreal nightmare as Mr Alfred slips into madness are surely some of the greatest writing ever to come out of Scotland. A blueprint for Irvine Welsh but greater still. Do not miss this! ( )