What do you think?
Rate this book
Rough Visit
Oozing credence in your natural sporting ability is a bonus, persevering through sheer adversity is a must.
A natural talent of both snooker and pool, budding cue sports hustler Alfie One Visit Fenner has seemingly got it all. But Bangor's Beckham Of The Baize needs a change; rural Gwynedd's money match scene just ain't quenching his beady thirst.
After all, local dominance is nothing without the profile and clamour he feels his game deserves.
So using a sports psychology degree as a job, and the student loan as his salary, he packs up and heads where the money's at: the big capital, Cardiff.
But Alfie soon learns there are boundaries to this pool hustling game, not least the Tory government's scandalous housing market.
A natural talent of both snooker and pool, budding cue sports hustler Alfie One Visit Fenner has seemingly got it all. But Bangor's Beckham Of The Baize needs a change; rural Gwynedd's money match scene just ain't quenching his beady thirst.
After all, local dominance is nothing without the profile and clamour he feels his game deserves.
So using a sports psychology degree as a job, and the student loan as his salary, he packs up and heads where the money's at: the big capital, Cardiff.
But Alfie soon learns there are boundaries to this pool hustling game, not least the Tory government's scandalous housing market.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2024
1 person is currently reading
7 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 15, 2024
O wow Cardiff and Newport I know them well also the Welsh really love their snooker 🎱
June 15, 2024
Twenty-five-year-old cue hustler, Alfie “Whack a Tenner on” Fenner has exhausted the Gwynedd pool and snooker small-time money matches and tested the patience of a few old faces. It's time to aim big, Cardiff no less.
Wangling a place on a Sports psychology degree course and with his student loan tucked away, Alfie plans to set the City alight with his cueing prowess and take full advantage of the fame and fortune that will surely follow…
Rough Visit is a sequel to Veck’s earlier novel, One Visit. It does stand alone but I would urge reading the first and indulging in his other books to obtain a feel for his writing.
Alfie Fenner was relatively central to One Visit but not the main character and the decision to base Rough Visit around him is astute. Surprisingly, given the end of One Visit, Frankie, its protagonist, does appear together with several individuals from the previous book.
Veck plunges the reader straight in as Alfie takes the train to Cardiff. All Veck trademarks are immediately present; raw, unfiltered language, wickedly funny observations, lethal levels of substance abuse incoming, and a sense of impending disaster.
However, although large parts of Rough Visit, like all of Veck’s work, are an absolute riot, he focuses on how external and internal influences, none of which are positive, affect Alfie and how he responds.
Chapter by chapter this focus and observational comic energy narrows to produce a searing and pitiful depiction of rock bottom without hope and certainly without help. As the narrative unfolds, Veck subtly works on every facet of Alfie’s character to give the reader a textured, authentic, and heartbreaking portrayal.
Alfie is partly deluded; a legend in his own mind whose daily operating mode is that of a crafty grifter. He has a mild nasty streak borne from frustration and suppressed self-loathing combined with a deep vulnerability and insecurity that he constantly searches for ways to overcome, usually via drugs and alcohol.
He is not without cue talent or, initially, the will to graft to become a decent player. There are glimmers of intelligence and sharp self-awareness, as his often pathetic inner monologues demonstrate. He reminds the reader of Marlon Brando's infamous, anguished phrase, "I coulda been a contender" from Elia Kazan’s 1954 film, On the Waterfront.
Nonetheless, there are moments when Alfie’s cringe-inducing attempts to ingratiate himself are more reminiscent of Alan Partridge, “left the leather lad at base” when referring to his wallet is a particularly amusing standout in this respect.
Rough Visit is longer than Veck’s prior novels and I wondered if either momentum would lag or the sheer, repetitive awfulness of Alfie’s existence would become tiresome. Neither occurs, Alfie’s spiraling descent detours to unexpected places, and Veck throws him the occasional, credible lifeline.
Veck maintains a frenetic pace, occasionally making it easy to underestimate the clever little nuances and recurring themes he weaves throughout. Alfie’s pink waistcoat is one such achingly poignant touch.
Events darken considerably as he ‘relocates’ to Tonypandy. The hostel is a filthy cesspit of depravity. Although humor still prevails, it’s of the gallows variety, and, as Alfie’s situation deteriorates further, the tempo and tone of the narrative adapt.
The rapid-fire colloquial repartee becomes introspective as Alfie struggles to comprehend or acknowledge his shocking circumstances. The rare moments of awareness are firmly chased away with hard drugs. His time spent with Kolo and Trent takes the reader into squalid yet compelling territory.
Nonetheless, he still manages the odd hustle, his final match in Chapter 26 is brilliantly plotted with a sharp edge of unpredictability. Veck’s prose is often unorthodox but can be excused as the perfect counterpart to the gritty, unvarnished subject matter.
Rough Visit is a blistering read; unapologetic, entertaining, and immensely thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
Wangling a place on a Sports psychology degree course and with his student loan tucked away, Alfie plans to set the City alight with his cueing prowess and take full advantage of the fame and fortune that will surely follow…
Rough Visit is a sequel to Veck’s earlier novel, One Visit. It does stand alone but I would urge reading the first and indulging in his other books to obtain a feel for his writing.
Alfie Fenner was relatively central to One Visit but not the main character and the decision to base Rough Visit around him is astute. Surprisingly, given the end of One Visit, Frankie, its protagonist, does appear together with several individuals from the previous book.
Veck plunges the reader straight in as Alfie takes the train to Cardiff. All Veck trademarks are immediately present; raw, unfiltered language, wickedly funny observations, lethal levels of substance abuse incoming, and a sense of impending disaster.
However, although large parts of Rough Visit, like all of Veck’s work, are an absolute riot, he focuses on how external and internal influences, none of which are positive, affect Alfie and how he responds.
Chapter by chapter this focus and observational comic energy narrows to produce a searing and pitiful depiction of rock bottom without hope and certainly without help. As the narrative unfolds, Veck subtly works on every facet of Alfie’s character to give the reader a textured, authentic, and heartbreaking portrayal.
Alfie is partly deluded; a legend in his own mind whose daily operating mode is that of a crafty grifter. He has a mild nasty streak borne from frustration and suppressed self-loathing combined with a deep vulnerability and insecurity that he constantly searches for ways to overcome, usually via drugs and alcohol.
He is not without cue talent or, initially, the will to graft to become a decent player. There are glimmers of intelligence and sharp self-awareness, as his often pathetic inner monologues demonstrate. He reminds the reader of Marlon Brando's infamous, anguished phrase, "I coulda been a contender" from Elia Kazan’s 1954 film, On the Waterfront.
Nonetheless, there are moments when Alfie’s cringe-inducing attempts to ingratiate himself are more reminiscent of Alan Partridge, “left the leather lad at base” when referring to his wallet is a particularly amusing standout in this respect.
Rough Visit is longer than Veck’s prior novels and I wondered if either momentum would lag or the sheer, repetitive awfulness of Alfie’s existence would become tiresome. Neither occurs, Alfie’s spiraling descent detours to unexpected places, and Veck throws him the occasional, credible lifeline.
Veck maintains a frenetic pace, occasionally making it easy to underestimate the clever little nuances and recurring themes he weaves throughout. Alfie’s pink waistcoat is one such achingly poignant touch.
Events darken considerably as he ‘relocates’ to Tonypandy. The hostel is a filthy cesspit of depravity. Although humor still prevails, it’s of the gallows variety, and, as Alfie’s situation deteriorates further, the tempo and tone of the narrative adapt.
The rapid-fire colloquial repartee becomes introspective as Alfie struggles to comprehend or acknowledge his shocking circumstances. The rare moments of awareness are firmly chased away with hard drugs. His time spent with Kolo and Trent takes the reader into squalid yet compelling territory.
Nonetheless, he still manages the odd hustle, his final match in Chapter 26 is brilliantly plotted with a sharp edge of unpredictability. Veck’s prose is often unorthodox but can be excused as the perfect counterpart to the gritty, unvarnished subject matter.
Rough Visit is a blistering read; unapologetic, entertaining, and immensely thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
March 12, 2024
Book 2 in the ‘One Visit’ series,Alfie’s Story
I really enjoy this authors books and continued to with this although not being a lover of snooker or in fact having much knowledge of the sport meant I had a bit of learning to do as I went along….
Written in the style only this author can it is again a brutal no holds barred look at life in Wales,this time when Cardiff University beckons and all the temptations Alfie finds available to him
As always honest and open and a book you wont forget
I really enjoy this authors books and continued to with this although not being a lover of snooker or in fact having much knowledge of the sport meant I had a bit of learning to do as I went along….
Written in the style only this author can it is again a brutal no holds barred look at life in Wales,this time when Cardiff University beckons and all the temptations Alfie finds available to him
As always honest and open and a book you wont forget
May 5, 2024
This is my second book from this author and his style keeps getting better. It's such a unique way of prtraying the knitty and gritty of life that calls out to the reader. No holds barred, it showcases the hardships of Welsh life.. Which for someone who isn't familiar with the culture and how things are when they are not the sugar coated touristy version it's very appealing.
It was very much a fun ride to learn about snooker.. I had no idea and ended up quite intrigued about it.
These book truly leave an impression and I'm happy to go along for this ride.
It was very much a fun ride to learn about snooker.. I had no idea and ended up quite intrigued about it.
These book truly leave an impression and I'm happy to go along for this ride.
April 18, 2024
The second installment of the 'One Visit' series, Alfie's Story, is another great read from this author. Written in the author's signature style, this book offers a raw and unflinching look at life in Wales, this time focusing on Cardiff University and all the temptations that come with it for Alfie. Once again, it is an honest and open portrayal, leaving a lasting impression on readers. George Veck has a talent for showcasing the grit, hardship, and struggles of life that are often overlooked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2024
Sequel to One Visit. Another gritty Welsh drama. George Veck gets better with each book he writes. Look forward to reading more in the future. 5⭐️
December 19, 2024
“Rough Visit” is the captivating second installment in the One Visit series, delving into Alfie’s compelling narrative as he relocates to Cardiff to pursue a degree in Sports Psychology, fueled by his ambition to establish himself as a professional snooker player. However, he soon confronts the harsh reality that his aspirations are not easily attainable.
The book is masterfully crafted, immersing readers in Alfie’s tumultuous journey. While the intricacies of snooker may be daunting for some, I found myself engrossed in Alfie’s narrative. Despite his flaws, Alfie is a deeply complex character, evoking both empathy and unease.
True to George’s signature style, “Rough Visit” may not resonate with every reader, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed its thought-provoking and enthralling nature, making it a compelling recommendation for those seeking an immersive and introspective literary experience.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to George for kindly providing me with a review copy of the book. These are my honest and unbiased thoughts, and I am sharing them voluntarily.
The book is masterfully crafted, immersing readers in Alfie’s tumultuous journey. While the intricacies of snooker may be daunting for some, I found myself engrossed in Alfie’s narrative. Despite his flaws, Alfie is a deeply complex character, evoking both empathy and unease.
True to George’s signature style, “Rough Visit” may not resonate with every reader, but I wholeheartedly enjoyed its thought-provoking and enthralling nature, making it a compelling recommendation for those seeking an immersive and introspective literary experience.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to George for kindly providing me with a review copy of the book. These are my honest and unbiased thoughts, and I am sharing them voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews