Vacuum-Packed

by Robin Newbold

Fuelled by easy drugs and even easier sex, Vacuum-Packed chronicles the lives of two teenagers struggling to survive in a world that seems to be spinning out of control. Craig, HIV positive and hoping to find a reason to live, travels to Thailand, where he becomes entrapped in a brutal but compelling game to which he doesn't know the rules. Handsome and vain Jamie gorges himself on all gay London has to offer but instead of fulfilment finds only emptiness in the endless blur of partying and casual encounters. Part darkly humorous rites of passage drama and part travelogue, Vacuum-Packed follows Craig and Jamie as they each search, through the danger, glamour and grime of the British and Thai sex industries, for their own redemption. Robin Newbold is a London-based journalist, travel writer and novelist, whose work has appeared in Time Out, the South China Morning Post, Bangkok Metro and Gay Times. REVIEWS "Follows in the tradition of Bret Easton Ellis and Michel Houellebecq. You'll be dazed, appalled, intrigued." - Bangkok Metro "Describes the emptiness of pop culture and the wreckage of lost young lives with a world-weary cynicism that can sting with its bite." - The Nation

232 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

Robin Newbold is an author and journalist. Fourth novel, thriller When the Darkness Swallowed the Sun, is out now on Amazon. His work has appeared in Time Out, the South China Morning Post, Bangkok Metro and Gay Times. He is a Crystal Palace fan and lives in sunny Hove.

Reviews

[Glen Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the better novel by the author
Two complex lead characters, both deeply flawed, but relatable. Some uncomfortable stories but well written