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So Low So High by Pete Sortwell
Simon Brewster is a doomed man. If he doesn't change his ways, he'll never see middle, let alone old age. He knows that most people generally don't drink white cider for breakfast, don't use the aisle of Tesco as a toilet and don't steal from their family and friends. At School the careers adviser never suggested stealing Edam balls and legs of lamb as a job and his doctor has never prescribed crack cocaine or heroin. Simon still does these things though and the worst part is, he doesn't know anymore than you do why he continues doing it. He's seen his parents on their knees, crying, begging him to stop; he's been arrested by his former best mate; he's been hospitalized, all as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. It's just not enough to make him stop. Simon lies to everyone, including himself. The truth is, he has no more idea why he does the things he does than you do. What he needs is a way out. But if such a thing exists, Simon hasn't had much luck finding it. He's powerless, his life is unmanageable to the point of insanity. This is the story of Simon Brewster's last year using class 'A' drugs. Join him as he crashes his way through police cells, courtrooms and display cabinets. One way or another, Simon will stop using drugs. But can he overcome his addictions before his addictions destroy him?
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First published June 22, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 7, 2015
Fascinating, absorbing, genuinely difficult to put down.
This searingly honest account of one man’s battle with addiction and the crime it drives him to has its flaws: it could do with a little more consistency in its idiom, and perhaps a little less repetition. But these are nothing next to the story and the central character, whose struggles, rare successes and all-to-frequent relapses are told without apology or justification but with enough of a background to grab the reader by the throat and force him to understand and even empathise. Slightly reminiscent, in its style and subject matter, of Kelman’s masterful How Late It Was How Late, but without the latter’s pretensions to literary grandeur, So Low, So High delivers a fascinating, free-flowing style and an unforgettable character.
This searingly honest account of one man’s battle with addiction and the crime it drives him to has its flaws: it could do with a little more consistency in its idiom, and perhaps a little less repetition. But these are nothing next to the story and the central character, whose struggles, rare successes and all-to-frequent relapses are told without apology or justification but with enough of a background to grab the reader by the throat and force him to understand and even empathise. Slightly reminiscent, in its style and subject matter, of Kelman’s masterful How Late It Was How Late, but without the latter’s pretensions to literary grandeur, So Low, So High delivers a fascinating, free-flowing style and an unforgettable character.
June 29, 2013
So Low So High is the story of drug addict Simon Brewster. Simon is a complex character. He doesn't want your sympathy. He doesn't want your understanding. He just wants money for gear, right now. He is unrepentant for the crimes he commits and he has a wicked sense of humour. He detaches himself emotionally from anything that makes him feel uncomfortable and that he does not want to hear. All of these factors add up to a little bit of a tragic but at times likeable character. You almost see "good" Simon trying to get out and you root for him.
This novel may well make you uncomfortable. There is no flowery prose. The author doesn't dress anything up. It's life warts and all. Where So Low So High succeeds is that it has the stark ring of truth to it. Of course it is fiction but you wouldn't know it. That's how well done it is. It's easy to draw comparisons with Irvine Welsh here but Sortwell's novel speaks truer.
A gripping read that can't help but affect you. Read with an open mind and consider the kind of events that happen daily in modern Britain and you will appreciate So Low So High.
This novel may well make you uncomfortable. There is no flowery prose. The author doesn't dress anything up. It's life warts and all. Where So Low So High succeeds is that it has the stark ring of truth to it. Of course it is fiction but you wouldn't know it. That's how well done it is. It's easy to draw comparisons with Irvine Welsh here but Sortwell's novel speaks truer.
A gripping read that can't help but affect you. Read with an open mind and consider the kind of events that happen daily in modern Britain and you will appreciate So Low So High.
August 28, 2015
This book followed Simon from childhood and describing his downfall into the life of a drug addict. In the beginning he hand three friends make a pact to be there for one another no matter what this was made whilst smoking weed which more or less had the roll on effect on Simon. His friends did grow up and have 'proper' jobs but Simon just seemed to flop from one drug to another. This is his journey and it is very well told I could almost imagine myself feeling sorry for him in parts and then wham! he does something really stupid and once again I have a different opinion of him. I must admit to wishing things would turn out in the end and that his tired friends and his poor parents would get what they had always hoped for. A clean Simon, does this happen you will have to read it and see.
September 24, 2015
This book was a terrific read and, although a difficult subject, I wanted to read more. Simon grew up with a group of friends who made a pact in their teenage years to always be there for one another. They used to smoke weed together but whilst sadly Simon's life took a road further into drugs, his pals grew up and found work. I felt sympathy for Simon though his behaviour did not warrant it. The author taught me a lot about the different types of drugs and effects they have. Simon turned to crime to feed his habit. He grew apart from his parents due to his lifestyle.
I felt that Simon wanted to get out of the drug scene but was too easily led and was quite weak. His parents and friends did try their best for him but he couldn't help himself. I was rooting for him throughout and couldn't wait to find out how things turned out. Along with all the sadness was a lot of humour.
I recommend this book highly.
I felt that Simon wanted to get out of the drug scene but was too easily led and was quite weak. His parents and friends did try their best for him but he couldn't help himself. I was rooting for him throughout and couldn't wait to find out how things turned out. Along with all the sadness was a lot of humour.
I recommend this book highly.
October 12, 2016
This is the tale of Simon, an addict who goes from one disaster to the next and who believes the world is against him. It was interesting to read from his perspective and I liked the ending. I do hope he makes it. The saddest thing about this book is that we all know a Simon.
August 5, 2015
This is another one of those books that I am really struggling to review. I want to say I enjoyed reading it but enjoyed is definitely the wrong word to describe the book but is kind of the right word to class my overall reading experience of the book. It is a relatively short, easy read. Easy because of the language and style but definitely NOT the subject matter. That was, at times, pretty harrowing.
It is the story of Simon and it tells of the development of his addiction and the aftermath. The way he starts with relatively "tame" drugs and then through various associations, spirals into the very hard stuff. It shows his downfall from society, estrangement from his family and old friends as he finds new "friends", ones that facilitate and enable his every increasing addictions. It also illustrates the ways, means and lengths an addict will go to secure his next hit and thus stave off withdrawal for another couple of hours - some of which were very hard to read. It tells of his attempts to get clean through both through his own desire as well as other's intervention. All the time you are rooting for him but knowing deep down that the inevitable may not be far away.
So, all that in context, why did I "enjoy" the book so much? I have thought about this and can only say that, despite reading all this nasty horrid stuff, there was a lot of very tastefully inserted humour within the pages which made for a great balance and also kept things on a lighter note. Without this, the book would have been far too hard for me to read.
It also helped that, although he is a bit of a sh1t, I actually really liked Simon. I have co-dependent tendencies myself so part of that is probably me wanting to swoop down and save him. I also liked that despite all the things he did, there were people around that saw through his issues and addictions, and saw the person inside, saw that little spark of good that was still twinkling off and on.
This book is described as being fiction and, as I have no personal experience whatsoever with any form of drug addiction, I would have no idea how true to life it is, but to the lay person it came across as being completely credible and also very insightful. I would imagine that the author would not tackle a book like this without at least doing his research (or take from personal experience). Finally, the ending was perfect. Can't say more than that cos it may spoil other's enjoyment but, for me at least, I though it ended just right.
This is the first book I have read by this author but as I found his style & language to be very comfortable and his humour on my wavelength, it probably won't be the last.
I received a free ARC from THE Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
It is the story of Simon and it tells of the development of his addiction and the aftermath. The way he starts with relatively "tame" drugs and then through various associations, spirals into the very hard stuff. It shows his downfall from society, estrangement from his family and old friends as he finds new "friends", ones that facilitate and enable his every increasing addictions. It also illustrates the ways, means and lengths an addict will go to secure his next hit and thus stave off withdrawal for another couple of hours - some of which were very hard to read. It tells of his attempts to get clean through both through his own desire as well as other's intervention. All the time you are rooting for him but knowing deep down that the inevitable may not be far away.
So, all that in context, why did I "enjoy" the book so much? I have thought about this and can only say that, despite reading all this nasty horrid stuff, there was a lot of very tastefully inserted humour within the pages which made for a great balance and also kept things on a lighter note. Without this, the book would have been far too hard for me to read.
It also helped that, although he is a bit of a sh1t, I actually really liked Simon. I have co-dependent tendencies myself so part of that is probably me wanting to swoop down and save him. I also liked that despite all the things he did, there were people around that saw through his issues and addictions, and saw the person inside, saw that little spark of good that was still twinkling off and on.
This book is described as being fiction and, as I have no personal experience whatsoever with any form of drug addiction, I would have no idea how true to life it is, but to the lay person it came across as being completely credible and also very insightful. I would imagine that the author would not tackle a book like this without at least doing his research (or take from personal experience). Finally, the ending was perfect. Can't say more than that cos it may spoil other's enjoyment but, for me at least, I though it ended just right.
This is the first book I have read by this author but as I found his style & language to be very comfortable and his humour on my wavelength, it probably won't be the last.
I received a free ARC from THE Book Club in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2015
I was given this book to read in exchange for an honest review through THE Book Club. This book was great to read and would love to know who the author knows who has been there as it is so real. This is obviously very fact based although a book of fiction. Having known drug addicts and read various books written by recovering addicts, it could be truth. Even though the main character Simon is a complete waste of space with very few redeeming character traits you can't help but like him and want the best for him. The book follows Simon at his lowest, through an unsuccessful stint in rehab and to the point where he realises he has to change something. I enjoyed this book immensely and would recommend it highly to anyone who wants an insight into this dreadful world or in fact give it your kids to read as a warning!
July 21, 2018
The book is an account of the life of Simon who at the age of 14 along with his mates tries illegal drugs for the first time, but for him not the last. The book is quite witty in parts but also very disturbing and tragic, to think that a young man from a loving and caring family could end up in such a mess is heartbreaking. He lives in squalor and although he is offered help and rehabilitation he has no intention of changing his life of thieving to supply his habit of drugs and alcohol. This book is not an easy or enjoyable read but a very compelling and thought provoking one. There is a lot of swearing in the book but I don't think the grimness of Simon's lifestyle could be portrayed without it.
August 28, 2015
This book is not for the faint hearted but I loved it. You can't help but root for Simon who is obviously at one of the low points in his life and is unrepentant about his life and drug addiction. It gripped me from the very first page I was fascinated by the realistic way the
author dealt with the disturbing subject matter. It was witty well written and if you enjoyed reading Irvine Welsh then you will love this book. . It's a book that stays with you
author dealt with the disturbing subject matter. It was witty well written and if you enjoyed reading Irvine Welsh then you will love this book. . It's a book that stays with you
November 3, 2014
For a debut novelist, this is a fantasic piece of seeringly insightful writing. I loved the way that it is a warts and all expose of the life of someone with serious drug and alcohol problems.
So Low So High make Trainspotting look like The Archers with it's brutal honesty. I can't wait for the next novel from Sortwell.
So Low So High make Trainspotting look like The Archers with it's brutal honesty. I can't wait for the next novel from Sortwell.
August 2, 2015
i received this as an arc from the book club in exchange for an honest review.
simon brewster is an addict. he is dependent on drugs and then drink. this is his story.
very good read. I liked simon. He had an attitude.
He didnt care who he hurt to get his next fix simon saw that his friends were there for him in the end. 4* from me
simon brewster is an addict. he is dependent on drugs and then drink. this is his story.
very good read. I liked simon. He had an attitude.
He didnt care who he hurt to get his next fix simon saw that his friends were there for him in the end. 4* from me
September 4, 2015
An interesting honest account of the life of an addict. I received an arc copy via the book club in return for an honest review. I enjoyed this book a lot I found the subject matter uncomfortable at times but loved the honest way the author told the story , it was interesting to see the different paths and changes childhood friends take and make
August 23, 2015
Wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book but it was not only an interesting read about the things a true addict goes through but it was honest. Really different and surprisingly entertaining read.
July 31, 2015
I knew I was going to enjoy this book after only a few pages in. It was funny, brutal and gritty . You just couldn't help liking the main character Simon . Loved it .5 stars from me
September 19, 2015
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those thought provoking, emotional yet thrilling reads a reader stumbles upon every now and again. I think I probably need to explain that a bit more. It is not a crime thriller, yet crime is a major context in the story. It is emotionally charged and so the “thrill” that came from this read was more like an emotional rush which left my head spinning at times. In fact, the book is aptly named as I often felt “So low” and “So High” at times throughout as Simon’s story unfolded.
As I work with substance misusers on a daily basis this book was more than a fictional story to me. I see people like Simon everyday and speak to family and partners of these people so it really touched a nerve in me. It gave me some insight and really was an excellent portrayal of addiction in my opinion.
I was, however, torn by the ending. No spoilers I promise. I suppose I was hoping for one more chapter, but then wondered if that would have been enough. When I sat back and reflected on it, it was then I realised that the ending was perfect. So well done Mr Sortwell!
I enjoyed the “reality” of this story, the plot development, structure and characters all worked well in my view. The author portrayed the heart of addiction and what it means to be addicted …and it is not pretty.
I would highly recommend this book and want to thank the author for giving me the privilege of reading it.
This is one of those thought provoking, emotional yet thrilling reads a reader stumbles upon every now and again. I think I probably need to explain that a bit more. It is not a crime thriller, yet crime is a major context in the story. It is emotionally charged and so the “thrill” that came from this read was more like an emotional rush which left my head spinning at times. In fact, the book is aptly named as I often felt “So low” and “So High” at times throughout as Simon’s story unfolded.
As I work with substance misusers on a daily basis this book was more than a fictional story to me. I see people like Simon everyday and speak to family and partners of these people so it really touched a nerve in me. It gave me some insight and really was an excellent portrayal of addiction in my opinion.
I was, however, torn by the ending. No spoilers I promise. I suppose I was hoping for one more chapter, but then wondered if that would have been enough. When I sat back and reflected on it, it was then I realised that the ending was perfect. So well done Mr Sortwell!
I enjoyed the “reality” of this story, the plot development, structure and characters all worked well in my view. The author portrayed the heart of addiction and what it means to be addicted …and it is not pretty.
I would highly recommend this book and want to thank the author for giving me the privilege of reading it.
September 23, 2015
It's not often I'm lost for words, but I am when it comes to reviewing this book!
This story is well researched and written. I felt some empathy for Simon, incredibly bad choices meant his life meandered from drug to harder drug, but I didn't like him. I genuinely felt sorry for those around him, impacted by the devastation caused by his actions and lifestyle. I was absolutely compelled to see where his journey would end and found the second half of the book difficult to put down.
All these factors, and more, make it a great book that will open your eyes to the darker side of addiction and how far its impact can be felt.
All these factors, and more, mean that, while I can't say this was an enjoyable read, I will certainly be reading more of Pete's books!!
This story is well researched and written. I felt some empathy for Simon, incredibly bad choices meant his life meandered from drug to harder drug, but I didn't like him. I genuinely felt sorry for those around him, impacted by the devastation caused by his actions and lifestyle. I was absolutely compelled to see where his journey would end and found the second half of the book difficult to put down.
All these factors, and more, make it a great book that will open your eyes to the darker side of addiction and how far its impact can be felt.
All these factors, and more, mean that, while I can't say this was an enjoyable read, I will certainly be reading more of Pete's books!!
September 8, 2015
I would like to thank Tracy at TBC and Pete Sortwell for allowing me to read this in return for an honest and open review.
I'm struggling to find the right words to describe how I felt after reading this book. Enjoyed just doesn't seem to fit. I do know that I found it engrossing.
Pete Sortwell has written about a very complex character. Simon was a man that I loved and loathed. There were times when I wanted to shake him as he annoyed me so much. At other times I wanted to give him a cuddle.
This is a very well-researched novel and I learned a lot about the problems of addiction.
I'm struggling to find the right words to describe how I felt after reading this book. Enjoyed just doesn't seem to fit. I do know that I found it engrossing.
Pete Sortwell has written about a very complex character. Simon was a man that I loved and loathed. There were times when I wanted to shake him as he annoyed me so much. At other times I wanted to give him a cuddle.
This is a very well-researched novel and I learned a lot about the problems of addiction.
September 5, 2015
No matter how much I tried, I just couldn't get in to this book. Could be that it is quite close to home, but I thought that would make me relate to the character more, had the opposite effect though.
September 28, 2015
I've read most of Petes books and as they were funny, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy this one, thought it may be depressing. Well I was wrong, it was a really interesting read and although the subject matter was serious it wasn't a dark book. Brilliant writing.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews