What do you think?
Rate this book
Drunk
It starts with a girl. Girls actually. Its only fair that it starts with a girl, no? Only problem is that most stories that start with a girl always end up with someone banging on the door saying; I just want to talk. This is not one of those stories.
This one is about Larry.
Mad Larry.
He drinks.
He shags girls.
He hates his father.
And he looks nothing like his step brother, who stays by his side throughout his madness. When Larry does something terrible, it looms over him, shaping his future, transforming all the relationships around him and hurtling him into a rabbit hole. Oh, and wheelbarrows are involved. Five of them. Somehow Larry and one of these wheelbarrows will collide and things will get pretty hairy - for Larry, that is, not for you, dear reader.
This one is about Larry.
Mad Larry.
He drinks.
He shags girls.
He hates his father.
And he looks nothing like his step brother, who stays by his side throughout his madness. When Larry does something terrible, it looms over him, shaping his future, transforming all the relationships around him and hurtling him into a rabbit hole. Oh, and wheelbarrows are involved. Five of them. Somehow Larry and one of these wheelbarrows will collide and things will get pretty hairy - for Larry, that is, not for you, dear reader.
- GenresAfrican Literature
167 pages, Paperback
First published October 3, 2017
67 people are currently reading
752 people want to read
About the author
Jackson Biko
1 book125 followersJackson Biko is a Kenyan writer with the Business Daily, True Love magazine and The Saturday Nation. He also edits Msafiri Magazine, Safaricom Foundation’s Msingi Magazine and a scattering of other writing jobs that keep writers like him afloat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
July 11, 2018
And what was the hullabaloo all about in this book anyway with some readers? I feel like someone told Biko "dude you write so well, when can we expect a book from you?" And boom the book was out. If i was told to shelf it, i would shamelessly put it in the teens corner since they would love a guy who shags many girls, drinks liquor that interferes with his normal functioning, has daddy issues and does not want to get help since he knows it all. That is Larry for you in this short book that seems to have defied the paragraph, spacing and chapter rules we used to, to maybe earn 167 pages. Anyway Larry can't stop drinking, he is addicted and he scares the shit out of his parents, brother, boss, girlfriends and he has an issue with everything and everyone till he causes a small accident when on the drunk driving spree that injures Malkia, a school going child to one Artisan that makes wheelbarrows and Larry dreams of one (BTW that wheelbarrow story doesn't make sense only that he is carried using one, that his mother bought from someone who knows the Artisan), and this child goes in a coma making Larry go to a rehab out of guilt but he relapses when he comes out of it. Then Malkia who is not out of the coma reaches out to Larry via some supernatural force (fantasize of a Sci-Fi film for it to make sense) and alas she awakens and it is a miracle.
Guys, like Biko should stick to writing articles and short stories, not a book Abeg! Larry is Biko in narration, stories like the Artisan, wheelbarrows are not brought out well plus Drunk we get the title but i expected more. Am disappointed and am not loving it. Don't shove it down my throat!
Guys, like Biko should stick to writing articles and short stories, not a book Abeg! Larry is Biko in narration, stories like the Artisan, wheelbarrows are not brought out well plus Drunk we get the title but i expected more. Am disappointed and am not loving it. Don't shove it down my throat!
May 21, 2018
Biko knows how to tell a good story and this is a good debut. I have a few issues with the story as follows.
- The main flaw was a lack of the narrator's voice in the story. This could have been been compounded by my having been a frequent reader of his blog. Larry sounds like Biko Zulu. The narrator's voice does not change when we have the first person voice or the third person narration about Mama Larry or The Artisan.
- The supernatural tilt towards the end did not quite mesh with the rest of the story. It seemed tacked on. The story is about descent to addiction, the change at the end was a bit jarring. And speaking on the theme....
- The story disappoints in that it does not offer an in-depth study on the reasons and effects of alcoholism. The stages Larry goes through in his journey and the effects of his behaviour to his friends and family seems glossed over and inconsequential. It was an opportunity to get an insider view on the causes and rationalising that goes with it from the addicts perspective.
- Amazon's self publishing is a boon but there are associated risks that are part of the package and in this book the lack of a good editor shows. I caught one typo "But I catch on pretty first"and there were instances of sentences that just didn't work, "You should come home anyway, when do you come", "So I drunk till 4:00 a.m. when I went home to find her in bed" and tenses switching from past to present in a paragraph.
-There was inconsistent use of Swahili with some conversations being written in the language with Larry/Bikozulu quipping about not translating for the Banda School crowd but you would expect that conversations had by The Artisan or between Larry's mother and Kibet would similarly be in Swahili.
The third act was the easiest to read. The narrative flowed smoothly. Biko is much better at tugging the heartstrings that drawing a laugh which is saying something considering how easy humour comes to him. I think having a reliable few early readers would be a good addition to his writing process. It would help get different perspectives and takes on his work. Taking a giant leap and assuming he didn't have this.
Overall the book was a good read and it's light so you can go through it in a day and the story doesn't lose it's momentum.
- The main flaw was a lack of the narrator's voice in the story. This could have been been compounded by my having been a frequent reader of his blog. Larry sounds like Biko Zulu. The narrator's voice does not change when we have the first person voice or the third person narration about Mama Larry or The Artisan.
- The supernatural tilt towards the end did not quite mesh with the rest of the story. It seemed tacked on. The story is about descent to addiction, the change at the end was a bit jarring. And speaking on the theme....
- The story disappoints in that it does not offer an in-depth study on the reasons and effects of alcoholism. The stages Larry goes through in his journey and the effects of his behaviour to his friends and family seems glossed over and inconsequential. It was an opportunity to get an insider view on the causes and rationalising that goes with it from the addicts perspective.
- Amazon's self publishing is a boon but there are associated risks that are part of the package and in this book the lack of a good editor shows. I caught one typo "But I catch on pretty first"and there were instances of sentences that just didn't work, "You should come home anyway, when do you come", "So I drunk till 4:00 a.m. when I went home to find her in bed" and tenses switching from past to present in a paragraph.
-There was inconsistent use of Swahili with some conversations being written in the language with Larry/Bikozulu quipping about not translating for the Banda School crowd but you would expect that conversations had by The Artisan or between Larry's mother and Kibet would similarly be in Swahili.
The third act was the easiest to read. The narrative flowed smoothly. Biko is much better at tugging the heartstrings that drawing a laugh which is saying something considering how easy humour comes to him. I think having a reliable few early readers would be a good addition to his writing process. It would help get different perspectives and takes on his work. Taking a giant leap and assuming he didn't have this.
Overall the book was a good read and it's light so you can go through it in a day and the story doesn't lose it's momentum.
March 28, 2019
It's a light book, I went through it in one sitting. But it's very disappointing. Biko cannot write a novel. At least not at the moment. He has a lot to learn.
To begin with, the voices in the book are very disjointed, with the writer shifting tenses and points of view even within chapters!
The author surrogacy was very ingratiating throughout the book, with Biko's biases, desires and fetishes annoyingly seeping out through his character. The Banda School thingy was just a great fail!
The book in itself is very literal. Biko tries his hardest to give it meaning and depth, but he fails miserably. Though it may tag on some people's heartstrings, this book is woefully short of literary merit. Though he tried to make us relate with Larry's daddy issues, it remained largely unconvincing that these psychological issues were the ones setting off the events in the book.
The wheelbarrow motif was forced into the book unlubricated; it was dead on arrival.
Plot-holes are many! Larry wakes up and pulls open the curtain to let in light but when his father comes in the next instance, the room is again full of darkness and the father pulls open the curtains. The store keeper at the hardware has two of the Artisan's wheelbarrows left but when Mama Larry buys one, the last of the Artisan's wheelbarrows finds its home.
And don't get me started on the incredulity. When Larry hits a parked car in the basement, a police officer is called. But when drunk Larry hits a van full of school children causing one of them to go into a comma, no law enforcement is involved. No police arrive this time. And the family of the daughter in the comma just 'forgives' the drunk driver. Unbelievable!
Biko should learn how to use the word 'literally'. "He literally came to fetch me from the bar." As opposed to figuratively fetching you from the bar?
The stylistic devices too lack believability and merit. "Her face was as pale as a sorcerer's palms." Really Biko? Have you scrutinised every sorcerer's palms?
And what was that with the super-natural thingy at the end? It was supposed to be humdinger, I know, but it came off awkward and all wrong.
Methinks that Biko was so up on his high horse that he felt he didn't need an editor. And it shows. Either that or this book was just but a quick cash-grab to him. Here's to hoping he does better in his next book.
To begin with, the voices in the book are very disjointed, with the writer shifting tenses and points of view even within chapters!
The author surrogacy was very ingratiating throughout the book, with Biko's biases, desires and fetishes annoyingly seeping out through his character. The Banda School thingy was just a great fail!
The book in itself is very literal. Biko tries his hardest to give it meaning and depth, but he fails miserably. Though it may tag on some people's heartstrings, this book is woefully short of literary merit. Though he tried to make us relate with Larry's daddy issues, it remained largely unconvincing that these psychological issues were the ones setting off the events in the book.
The wheelbarrow motif was forced into the book unlubricated; it was dead on arrival.
Plot-holes are many! Larry wakes up and pulls open the curtain to let in light but when his father comes in the next instance, the room is again full of darkness and the father pulls open the curtains. The store keeper at the hardware has two of the Artisan's wheelbarrows left but when Mama Larry buys one, the last of the Artisan's wheelbarrows finds its home.
And don't get me started on the incredulity. When Larry hits a parked car in the basement, a police officer is called. But when drunk Larry hits a van full of school children causing one of them to go into a comma, no law enforcement is involved. No police arrive this time. And the family of the daughter in the comma just 'forgives' the drunk driver. Unbelievable!
Biko should learn how to use the word 'literally'. "He literally came to fetch me from the bar." As opposed to figuratively fetching you from the bar?
The stylistic devices too lack believability and merit. "Her face was as pale as a sorcerer's palms." Really Biko? Have you scrutinised every sorcerer's palms?
And what was that with the super-natural thingy at the end? It was supposed to be humdinger, I know, but it came off awkward and all wrong.
Methinks that Biko was so up on his high horse that he felt he didn't need an editor. And it shows. Either that or this book was just but a quick cash-grab to him. Here's to hoping he does better in his next book.
June 24, 2018
Book Review – Drunk by Jackson Biko
Every Kenyan who has read this book and rated it on Goodreads has given it 5 Stars. I am not sure if this is because they really loved the book or because they love the author. Who doesn’t love Biko, right? He is an amazing writer and has kept us entertained on his weekly blogs for eons. I, personally, have been a huge fan and follower since he took over Man Talk from Oyunga years ago so I guess it’s easy to just fall in love with anything he writes. Granted.
Drunk is the story of Larry. But not just Larry, it is a story about how lives can seemingly be so intertwined, about how our actions or inactions can have rippling effects, blessing or scathing everyone we encounter. Larry is a successful sales agent, he rises to managerial level and seems to have everything going for him. A good job, lives in an upmarket estate, a seemingly good family, he even has a way with the ladies going by the trail of broken hearts he leaves behind. But Larry also has daddy issues and it could be this or other myriad of issues that drive him to alcoholism. He sinks deep, knowing and realizing that he is in too deep but unable to come out of it. A tragic encounter with little Malkia, a sweet young girl and the apple of her parents’ eyes, drives him to seek help but as with most alcoholics or people struggling with substance abuse, the reality of relapse is grave and Larry is not any different. The ending is tragic and miraculous – for Larry and Malkia.
Getting into this book, right off the bat, it felt like I was reading one of Biko’s blog posts. It’s had this ‘bloggy’ flow which I didn’t like at first but I gave it a moment. The writing also seemed very familiar and almost like a buildup of bit and pieces of stories he has written over the years which culminated into this book. The subject matter is heavy, delving into mental health and substance abuse and how this affects not only the addict but their family and even people unknown to the addict, as is the case with Larry and Malkia.
This is a great book for people who enjoy short reads or blogs or short stories, I however relish longer reads where the characters and plot are drawn out and complex. Although I did wish the book was longer because it was such an enjoyable read, I also felt like the story that needed to be told was told in its entirety.
A good easy read. 3.5 stars.
Every Kenyan who has read this book and rated it on Goodreads has given it 5 Stars. I am not sure if this is because they really loved the book or because they love the author. Who doesn’t love Biko, right? He is an amazing writer and has kept us entertained on his weekly blogs for eons. I, personally, have been a huge fan and follower since he took over Man Talk from Oyunga years ago so I guess it’s easy to just fall in love with anything he writes. Granted.
Drunk is the story of Larry. But not just Larry, it is a story about how lives can seemingly be so intertwined, about how our actions or inactions can have rippling effects, blessing or scathing everyone we encounter. Larry is a successful sales agent, he rises to managerial level and seems to have everything going for him. A good job, lives in an upmarket estate, a seemingly good family, he even has a way with the ladies going by the trail of broken hearts he leaves behind. But Larry also has daddy issues and it could be this or other myriad of issues that drive him to alcoholism. He sinks deep, knowing and realizing that he is in too deep but unable to come out of it. A tragic encounter with little Malkia, a sweet young girl and the apple of her parents’ eyes, drives him to seek help but as with most alcoholics or people struggling with substance abuse, the reality of relapse is grave and Larry is not any different. The ending is tragic and miraculous – for Larry and Malkia.
Getting into this book, right off the bat, it felt like I was reading one of Biko’s blog posts. It’s had this ‘bloggy’ flow which I didn’t like at first but I gave it a moment. The writing also seemed very familiar and almost like a buildup of bit and pieces of stories he has written over the years which culminated into this book. The subject matter is heavy, delving into mental health and substance abuse and how this affects not only the addict but their family and even people unknown to the addict, as is the case with Larry and Malkia.
This is a great book for people who enjoy short reads or blogs or short stories, I however relish longer reads where the characters and plot are drawn out and complex. Although I did wish the book was longer because it was such an enjoyable read, I also felt like the story that needed to be told was told in its entirety.
A good easy read. 3.5 stars.
August 25, 2024
On one hand I loved reading a book from a local author as the descriptions were relatable; on the other hand I felt the plot line was building up to some big reveal…. You know, with all the wheelbarrows, and the elephant …. but In the end I was left still waiting…..for I dunno what….which maybe was the authors intent all along? 🥺. I found the ending underwhelming
Despite the above it’s a 4 star because it’s Bikozulu and the writing was hilarious.
Despite the above it’s a 4 star because it’s Bikozulu and the writing was hilarious.
October 29, 2018
Having read the critics before I read the book ... I agree with them. Biko has so much potential and he can write a much better novel than this. Is this what happens to African writers; they concentrate on short stories and forget how to write "long" stories. Really disappointed reader Biko, try harder!!!
January 18, 2018
5 stars because Biko is a talented writer and because he has addressed a “drinking” culture issue that is getting out of hand.
November 28, 2019
Idk i just relate to this.
August 24, 2024
Solid 3.5
A friend gave me a copy of the book, highly recommending it, and I'm glad they did. There were moments that genuinely made me chuckle, thanks to Jackson Biko's witty writing style. He has this unique way of crafting sentences that just draw you in, making the characters feel relatable and the dialogue lively. It’s like having a conversation with an old friend who knows how to tell a good story.
However, I have to admit, I was a bit thrown off by the ending. The "supernatural" occurrence between Larry and Malaika felt out of place to me. It seemed to come out of nowhere and left me more confused than intrigued. I couldn't quite grasp the purpose of that twist. Maybe it was meant to add an extra layer of mystery or depth, but it just didn't land for me.
That said, I still enjoyed the story overall. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to make readers reflect on their own experiences while still providing a few laughs along the way.
If you're looking for a story with a mix of humor and unexpected turns, this one might be worth a read.
A friend gave me a copy of the book, highly recommending it, and I'm glad they did. There were moments that genuinely made me chuckle, thanks to Jackson Biko's witty writing style. He has this unique way of crafting sentences that just draw you in, making the characters feel relatable and the dialogue lively. It’s like having a conversation with an old friend who knows how to tell a good story.
However, I have to admit, I was a bit thrown off by the ending. The "supernatural" occurrence between Larry and Malaika felt out of place to me. It seemed to come out of nowhere and left me more confused than intrigued. I couldn't quite grasp the purpose of that twist. Maybe it was meant to add an extra layer of mystery or depth, but it just didn't land for me.
That said, I still enjoyed the story overall. The narrative's strength lies in its ability to make readers reflect on their own experiences while still providing a few laughs along the way.
If you're looking for a story with a mix of humor and unexpected turns, this one might be worth a read.
July 10, 2020
Drunk was a quick read and entertaining enough. But I have a few criticisms.
For starters, Biko does not know the difference between “drunk” and “drank”. There were also some other grammatical errors in the book
Secondly, he mixes Larry’s voice and third party narrator voice. The style of writing for both Larry and the narrator are very Biko and I think he needed to distinguish the narrator voice more.
Also, Biko’s writing is witty and unique, and I generally enjoy it when it’s a newspaper article or a blog post, but it got boring in a novel format. His use of chapters is also weird (one was less than a page long).
Lastly, and most importantly, the depth of plot and characters were lacking. What was the root cause of Larry’s drinking? Why exactly does he hate his father? How did Jeff miraculously recover from alcoholism (yet at least 50% of the book shows that Larry cannot)? Why did the sales in Lance’s company decline? What on earth was that about the wheelbarrows and elephant (most outlandish parts of the story of you ask me)? We don’t learn much about the Artisan and his family yet they are a key part of the plot... just so many questions.
I would give this book a 3.5. But since there are no half stars and it doesn’t quite get a 4 from me, 3 stars will do.
Edit: reading some other reviews reminded me that I cannot stand how he writes about women. Both in this book and in general (his blog posts)
For starters, Biko does not know the difference between “drunk” and “drank”. There were also some other grammatical errors in the book
Secondly, he mixes Larry’s voice and third party narrator voice. The style of writing for both Larry and the narrator are very Biko and I think he needed to distinguish the narrator voice more.
Also, Biko’s writing is witty and unique, and I generally enjoy it when it’s a newspaper article or a blog post, but it got boring in a novel format. His use of chapters is also weird (one was less than a page long).
Lastly, and most importantly, the depth of plot and characters were lacking. What was the root cause of Larry’s drinking? Why exactly does he hate his father? How did Jeff miraculously recover from alcoholism (yet at least 50% of the book shows that Larry cannot)? Why did the sales in Lance’s company decline? What on earth was that about the wheelbarrows and elephant (most outlandish parts of the story of you ask me)? We don’t learn much about the Artisan and his family yet they are a key part of the plot... just so many questions.
I would give this book a 3.5. But since there are no half stars and it doesn’t quite get a 4 from me, 3 stars will do.
Edit: reading some other reviews reminded me that I cannot stand how he writes about women. Both in this book and in general (his blog posts)
July 26, 2018
This book's ending left me with so much suspense! Biko is a very brilliant storyteller, the way he builds the characters in this book, he intertwines their storylines then he lets you in; you start feeling like you're part of the story. You read the book critiquing the characters actions but you know, that's just the voices in your head. Then he pulls the plug! The story was amazing but it's ending is one of the greatest suspense I've had to endure.
December 24, 2017
This book is sooo Kenyan. Speaks loudly to Kenyans. And whereas the central theme on the pandemic that alcohol addiction has actually become is very universal and cuts across all barriers, to really dig this one and enjoy the nuances and sublimal messaging, one needs to understand Kenyanisms...
July 9, 2018
Short and easy to read.
March 17, 2021
Finished the book in a day, which hasn't happened in a while. It's an easy read, interesting, funny and very witty. Great read, highly recommend.
April 25, 2021
I felt like i know Larry personally and the conversational prose made me want to understand his world more. He was talking, and I was here to listen.
January 15, 2019
Drunk :Steven Biko
What should I say, five pages to the end of the book, I stopped reading it for almost four days. I was afraid that it was coming to an end with me yet to get the gist of it all. Then I gathered the courage and finished it. The feeling is yet to change. Biko's writing is not normal , especially how he puts up this book compared to other books I've read . It is not a linear read with a linear structuring, an introduction, bla bla bla story and then an ending. Factly, when you're done with the book and read the back cover, which generally is supposed to tell you something about the book, you realize that Biko lied, their is nothing much about the book on the cover. I don't want to spoil it for you, but he said it himself 'that is not for you dear reader.' But there are wheelbarrows inside, blue wheelbarrows, some are involved, 'uber style.' Men are vilified, fathers are... , sorry, dads are vilified. Their is an argument about the difference. There are women, and their is sex and of course, their is alcohol at the center of it all. A ruined career, a caring brother who is half guilty(why did you introduce him to alcohol?) , a worried mother somewhere in Eldoret and many other things including suites, and the fear of dying in a suite upstairs doing boring office work.
' I thrived in melee, in competition, in bedlam and broken promises and long tea breaks. I didn't want anyone printing my shit and booking my appointments and taking my calls. I didn't want to die in a suit. I thought you went to the top floor and you died in your suit... I wanted to work with Tony, not those dead suits upstairs. '
You are more likely to forget most of the characters in this book. There is no character development, they just come, aid in one or two things, then the story takes a different turn and forgets most of them stranded on the highway. A good example is Lance from the office, since to mention women and how quickly men forget them after shaging is too cliche. You will remember Larry, maybe the brother, definitely the mother and Oh God! Malkia the miracle child. You'll remember the tragedy that brings Larry and the wheelbarrow together. If you're keen enough you'll notice crocs. I've never read a book that mentions crocs, those things are replacing shoes real fast. Then in the end you'll ask the question: What is drunk all about? Well, it's about getting drunk proper. It is a readable book with a lesson or two if you're keen enough.
What should I say, five pages to the end of the book, I stopped reading it for almost four days. I was afraid that it was coming to an end with me yet to get the gist of it all. Then I gathered the courage and finished it. The feeling is yet to change. Biko's writing is not normal , especially how he puts up this book compared to other books I've read . It is not a linear read with a linear structuring, an introduction, bla bla bla story and then an ending. Factly, when you're done with the book and read the back cover, which generally is supposed to tell you something about the book, you realize that Biko lied, their is nothing much about the book on the cover. I don't want to spoil it for you, but he said it himself 'that is not for you dear reader.' But there are wheelbarrows inside, blue wheelbarrows, some are involved, 'uber style.' Men are vilified, fathers are... , sorry, dads are vilified. Their is an argument about the difference. There are women, and their is sex and of course, their is alcohol at the center of it all. A ruined career, a caring brother who is half guilty(why did you introduce him to alcohol?) , a worried mother somewhere in Eldoret and many other things including suites, and the fear of dying in a suite upstairs doing boring office work.
' I thrived in melee, in competition, in bedlam and broken promises and long tea breaks. I didn't want anyone printing my shit and booking my appointments and taking my calls. I didn't want to die in a suit. I thought you went to the top floor and you died in your suit... I wanted to work with Tony, not those dead suits upstairs. '
You are more likely to forget most of the characters in this book. There is no character development, they just come, aid in one or two things, then the story takes a different turn and forgets most of them stranded on the highway. A good example is Lance from the office, since to mention women and how quickly men forget them after shaging is too cliche. You will remember Larry, maybe the brother, definitely the mother and Oh God! Malkia the miracle child. You'll remember the tragedy that brings Larry and the wheelbarrow together. If you're keen enough you'll notice crocs. I've never read a book that mentions crocs, those things are replacing shoes real fast. Then in the end you'll ask the question: What is drunk all about? Well, it's about getting drunk proper. It is a readable book with a lesson or two if you're keen enough.
January 7, 2022
Larry broke my heart. But not as much as the little girl Malkia.
He just couldn’t stop. He kept going and going and going, and now it’s too late.
Or maybe Biko broke my heart. I have so many questions. Does he (Larry, not biko) wake up? What about mama Larry? She is such a sweet woman.
Biko, I just want to talk, that’s all.
Biko writes so beautifully. I said it before in my review of his other book Thursdays and I say it every Tuesday at 10 when I read his weekly blogs which I look forward to like a child does the dad to get back from work. Because it doesn’t matter that the mother is the one with the food in her tits, the dad is the favorite.
The objectivity in this review is obviously a little bruised, but I promise you’ll love the read.
You can get yourself a copy online from his website, Amazon or get one at textbook centre (like I did, but save yourself from the shackles of leaving all your money to those guys if you can. The book variety is wild, and they are all so beautiful. It’s a trap to say the least).
Back to Biko, you don’t read a page from this book and look up, it absorbs you and for moments on end it’s like the world doesn’t even exist. You get a little drunk. A little too fed up of Larry and his messed up life, but thank God for Maggie. Maggie likes being bitten and slapped and tied to the bed post with one of Larry’s ties. She’s wild that one . This information might be of no relevance at all, so ignore it, go back to your lives, but it made me smile, hard. (You might get it when you read the book.)
I love that it’s my first read of 2022. For an easy, witty, fiction read, and a peak into Larry’s dark life, I definitely recommend.
He just couldn’t stop. He kept going and going and going, and now it’s too late.
Or maybe Biko broke my heart. I have so many questions. Does he (Larry, not biko) wake up? What about mama Larry? She is such a sweet woman.
Biko, I just want to talk, that’s all.
Biko writes so beautifully. I said it before in my review of his other book Thursdays and I say it every Tuesday at 10 when I read his weekly blogs which I look forward to like a child does the dad to get back from work. Because it doesn’t matter that the mother is the one with the food in her tits, the dad is the favorite.
The objectivity in this review is obviously a little bruised, but I promise you’ll love the read.
You can get yourself a copy online from his website, Amazon or get one at textbook centre (like I did, but save yourself from the shackles of leaving all your money to those guys if you can. The book variety is wild, and they are all so beautiful. It’s a trap to say the least).
Back to Biko, you don’t read a page from this book and look up, it absorbs you and for moments on end it’s like the world doesn’t even exist. You get a little drunk. A little too fed up of Larry and his messed up life, but thank God for Maggie. Maggie likes being bitten and slapped and tied to the bed post with one of Larry’s ties. She’s wild that one . This information might be of no relevance at all, so ignore it, go back to your lives, but it made me smile, hard. (You might get it when you read the book.)
I love that it’s my first read of 2022. For an easy, witty, fiction read, and a peak into Larry’s dark life, I definitely recommend.
July 11, 2025
I think I'm among the few who truly fell for this book, and mostly because, in a way, I've lived it. Someone I'm close to is an alcoholic, sober now for more years than I've been alive. Yet, the telling of his journey, of how he arrived at this present peace, has always been a scattered narrative. A collection of loose ends, hanging timeframes, and stories untethered from one another.
This book, in its raw, fragmented honesty, felt like a direct narration from him.
There's a strange truth about an alcoholic's life: it's often a landscape of gaps. Some stories remain idle, un-partnered, with no true way to link them to the next. You don't get a linear progression but rather a constellation of random moments. Each one makes perfect sense on its own, yet collectively, they create a dizzying, beautiful dissonance. They make sense, and they don't, all at once.
And for that profound, unsettling familiarity, I found myself utterly captivated. I couldn't put it down. The narrative structure, mirroring the very chaos it depicted, wasn't a flaw for me. It was its strength. The ending, beautifully unfinished, felt not like a lack, but like an honest echo of life itself. A journey that's always in progress, always with new questions on the horizon. For these reasons, I believe it was not just okay written, but deeply, truly resonant.
This book, in its raw, fragmented honesty, felt like a direct narration from him.
There's a strange truth about an alcoholic's life: it's often a landscape of gaps. Some stories remain idle, un-partnered, with no true way to link them to the next. You don't get a linear progression but rather a constellation of random moments. Each one makes perfect sense on its own, yet collectively, they create a dizzying, beautiful dissonance. They make sense, and they don't, all at once.
And for that profound, unsettling familiarity, I found myself utterly captivated. I couldn't put it down. The narrative structure, mirroring the very chaos it depicted, wasn't a flaw for me. It was its strength. The ending, beautifully unfinished, felt not like a lack, but like an honest echo of life itself. A journey that's always in progress, always with new questions on the horizon. For these reasons, I believe it was not just okay written, but deeply, truly resonant.
July 21, 2024
Reading Drunk by Jackson Biko was an entertaining journey that captivated me from start to finish. Biko’s storytelling is a masterful blend of humor and deep introspection, making the characters come alive in a way that is both relatable and engaging.
What truly stands out in Drunk is Biko's ability to capture the nuances of human emotions and relationships. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are depicted with such authenticity that you can't help but be drawn into their world. I found myself laughing at the witty dialogue and feeling moved by the more poignant moments.
Despite many people not enjoying the read, I found the book’s vivid descriptions and rich character development kept me thoroughly entertained. While there were moments where the pacing could have been tighter, these minor issues did not detract from the overall enjoyment.
In summary, Drunk is a compelling read that offers both entertainment and insight. Jackson Biko has crafted a novel that is not only enjoyable but also thought-provoking. Five stars well-deserved!
What truly stands out in Drunk is Biko's ability to capture the nuances of human emotions and relationships. The protagonist's struggles and triumphs are depicted with such authenticity that you can't help but be drawn into their world. I found myself laughing at the witty dialogue and feeling moved by the more poignant moments.
Despite many people not enjoying the read, I found the book’s vivid descriptions and rich character development kept me thoroughly entertained. While there were moments where the pacing could have been tighter, these minor issues did not detract from the overall enjoyment.
In summary, Drunk is a compelling read that offers both entertainment and insight. Jackson Biko has crafted a novel that is not only enjoyable but also thought-provoking. Five stars well-deserved!
August 12, 2018
Short and easy to read
Up till the time I finished the book, my mind still attached Larry to Biko. To me they were one and the same. Having read a good number of his work via his blog before, the book felt like an extended version of those short pieces. It was quite a short one and easily takes up only a few hours to finish.
But great writing nonetheless and a great topic too. A bit too many people are struggling with alcoholism in Kenya today.
Up till the time I finished the book, my mind still attached Larry to Biko. To me they were one and the same. Having read a good number of his work via his blog before, the book felt like an extended version of those short pieces. It was quite a short one and easily takes up only a few hours to finish.
But great writing nonetheless and a great topic too. A bit too many people are struggling with alcoholism in Kenya today.
July 18, 2018
This is definitely not the book for you if you're looking for something to dig your teeth into. As soon as you bite, it's gone in a puff of smoke. That being said, it is a very well written book with lots of nuances and little twists. So if you end up somewhere with an hour to kill, pick this up, it will not disappoint.
April 13, 2019
Alright, so not a bad debut novel. It felt disjointed in some parts of the narrative. Also I can’t say I feel anything for the way he writes women. It’s so...basic. Wasn’t crazy about this one although I don’t read much of the blog anyway so I imagine Bikozulu fans liked it because the styles are similar.
November 26, 2018
A good story book. Nothing more. I was disappointed (utterly).
May 11, 2020
Immediately I turned the last page of this 'small book' as Biko likes to call it, I wrested to classify it. At the pinnacle of the many sub genres of fiction, a book is either 'A philosophical book' or 'A popular book'
Biko reminds me of David Maillu. Both are good story tellers for starters. Biko awes us with his narration and humour and his general ease with words. What I loved most is his success with mirroring a day to day Nairobi. City details, Just like Mailu, my goodness! Those were so real and relatable.
"He watches the men secure the wheelbarrows, alongside a heap of household goods. When they
are done, one of them sends him money by M-Pesa, which trills in the phone in his pocket."
Moreover, he attempts hard to engage the serious issue of Alcoholism and Mental Health. I felt deeply compelled by the concerns addressed (content). At the same time however, I got deeply underwhelmed by the choices the author makes in so far as stylistics is concerned (form) Here are two pointers:
- Character development for me is quite loose; it offers us little chance to peer into the pyscho-social selves of EVEN the main characters well enough. For me, Biko only does well with Tina. We know her from her complexion to her family, her wifeless father, her temperament, her joys ( I found her naming of one of their cows Lucia quite sweet) and her pains. He develops her so well that when Larry looses her, I felt it. I actually want to meet Biko in real life so that I can question him about Tina ( haha! )
- Choices in terms of language us are quite a miss here too. The wheelbarrow motif especially doesn't really reflect clearly. I get it Biko wants to connect the predicaments of the two grappling families but, A WHEELBARROW for goods sake! The dreams also get a little redundant.
Drunk will be bought and enjoyed by many. In fact, without the occasional use explicit language, it would have easily made it to many school libraries since Larry behaves mostly like a carefree teenager. It would quite help to send much needed caution on drug and substance abuse. Even though it engages a serious issue, it still lacks the literariness of a serious philosophical piece.
For anyone that yearns for a thought provoking ground breaking read therefore, Drunk is just another popular shelf filler.
Biko reminds me of David Maillu. Both are good story tellers for starters. Biko awes us with his narration and humour and his general ease with words. What I loved most is his success with mirroring a day to day Nairobi. City details, Just like Mailu, my goodness! Those were so real and relatable.
"He watches the men secure the wheelbarrows, alongside a heap of household goods. When they
are done, one of them sends him money by M-Pesa, which trills in the phone in his pocket."
Moreover, he attempts hard to engage the serious issue of Alcoholism and Mental Health. I felt deeply compelled by the concerns addressed (content). At the same time however, I got deeply underwhelmed by the choices the author makes in so far as stylistics is concerned (form) Here are two pointers:
- Character development for me is quite loose; it offers us little chance to peer into the pyscho-social selves of EVEN the main characters well enough. For me, Biko only does well with Tina. We know her from her complexion to her family, her wifeless father, her temperament, her joys ( I found her naming of one of their cows Lucia quite sweet) and her pains. He develops her so well that when Larry looses her, I felt it. I actually want to meet Biko in real life so that I can question him about Tina ( haha! )
- Choices in terms of language us are quite a miss here too. The wheelbarrow motif especially doesn't really reflect clearly. I get it Biko wants to connect the predicaments of the two grappling families but, A WHEELBARROW for goods sake! The dreams also get a little redundant.
Drunk will be bought and enjoyed by many. In fact, without the occasional use explicit language, it would have easily made it to many school libraries since Larry behaves mostly like a carefree teenager. It would quite help to send much needed caution on drug and substance abuse. Even though it engages a serious issue, it still lacks the literariness of a serious philosophical piece.
For anyone that yearns for a thought provoking ground breaking read therefore, Drunk is just another popular shelf filler.
April 27, 2019
I'll start by admitting - I went into this book a little sceptical because a couple bookish friends weren't exactly blown away by it. But by the time I finished it, I was won over. Happily so!! 🤓🤓🤓 As its title says, the story is an exploration of a man with some alcohol issues. Because the book is tiny (physically the size pocket book) one cant really say much beyond that without giving the whole plot away.
However, Biko covers a lot of ground made smoother by his flowery style of writing. It unmistakably makes the book one that is written by and for a Nairobian. Reading it felt seamless and almost natural because this is the language we speak. So reading interpretations (or in some cases none) made me realise how some phrases are so natural but would seem foreign to a non Kenyan. That was cool!
But that familiarity was also one of the books largest failings because it leaves the impression that this was clearly a book targeted at Biko's existing audience - the readers of his, really awesome, blog. It comes through strongly in certain phrases and language where his authorial voice overshadows his characters or (in the relevant chapters) his omni present narrator. This unfortunately gave the book a slightly choppy feel - almost like I was reading an extended blog post that decided to become a novella/chapbook at some point in its life.
An observation which I have noted with some Kenyan writers is that the characters are all known by their first/English names. Perhaps a deliberate choice to not draw attention to ethnicity which is a rather testy topic here. It is interesting and peculiarly Kenyan thing where we do not own our ethnicities for fear of being branded tribalists or alienating others or fear of being the one who brings up the discussion in a setting other than in a bar or the comfort of relatives or other 'safe' spaces. I don't think it particularly takes anything away from the book but it was very noticeable having come from reading books by (especially) Nigerians who own their identities. We've got problems!!
The book did have some weaknesses but it is worth picking up!!
However, Biko covers a lot of ground made smoother by his flowery style of writing. It unmistakably makes the book one that is written by and for a Nairobian. Reading it felt seamless and almost natural because this is the language we speak. So reading interpretations (or in some cases none) made me realise how some phrases are so natural but would seem foreign to a non Kenyan. That was cool!
But that familiarity was also one of the books largest failings because it leaves the impression that this was clearly a book targeted at Biko's existing audience - the readers of his, really awesome, blog. It comes through strongly in certain phrases and language where his authorial voice overshadows his characters or (in the relevant chapters) his omni present narrator. This unfortunately gave the book a slightly choppy feel - almost like I was reading an extended blog post that decided to become a novella/chapbook at some point in its life.
An observation which I have noted with some Kenyan writers is that the characters are all known by their first/English names. Perhaps a deliberate choice to not draw attention to ethnicity which is a rather testy topic here. It is interesting and peculiarly Kenyan thing where we do not own our ethnicities for fear of being branded tribalists or alienating others or fear of being the one who brings up the discussion in a setting other than in a bar or the comfort of relatives or other 'safe' spaces. I don't think it particularly takes anything away from the book but it was very noticeable having come from reading books by (especially) Nigerians who own their identities. We've got problems!!
The book did have some weaknesses but it is worth picking up!!
June 30, 2019
It's a short and easy read, besides Biko tells a good story. The kind of book one reads in one sitting. The author broaches contemporary issues like alcoholism and mental health in Kenya, which is a plus for me - we need to talk about these things more.
I found the story very believable and relatable - Larry is a normal Kenyan with a good job, which he's good at, and a good family. (Yes his father wasn't present in his life, but that's a fairly common problem in Kenya, and elsewhere in the world. Biko doesn't attribute Larry's alcolism to his absentee father). Anyway, Larry the normal guy sinks deep into alcoholism and is unable to get out of it, even after rehab. On the other hand, Jeff Larry's brother, has similar problems with alcohol, but manages to leave it all behind, clean up nicely, get and keep a job, and raise a family. Jeff and Larry were brought up in the same conditions with same mother and both have absentee fathers. Yet one is able to fully recover from alcolism and the other is not. It does notnecessarily mean anything, it's just the randomness of life. Larry's story doesn't end well. And that's also life. Not everyone gets a happy ending. I enjoyed reading the book.
The book isn't perfect but I think it's a great first book and Biko should keep on writing and learning. I would read his subsequent books.
I found the story very believable and relatable - Larry is a normal Kenyan with a good job, which he's good at, and a good family. (Yes his father wasn't present in his life, but that's a fairly common problem in Kenya, and elsewhere in the world. Biko doesn't attribute Larry's alcolism to his absentee father). Anyway, Larry the normal guy sinks deep into alcoholism and is unable to get out of it, even after rehab. On the other hand, Jeff Larry's brother, has similar problems with alcohol, but manages to leave it all behind, clean up nicely, get and keep a job, and raise a family. Jeff and Larry were brought up in the same conditions with same mother and both have absentee fathers. Yet one is able to fully recover from alcolism and the other is not. It does notnecessarily mean anything, it's just the randomness of life. Larry's story doesn't end well. And that's also life. Not everyone gets a happy ending. I enjoyed reading the book.
The book isn't perfect but I think it's a great first book and Biko should keep on writing and learning. I would read his subsequent books.
Read
September 14, 2018My take on the book
I know a book is good when I can read it continuosly with a break. The issue of alcoholism is an elephant that is eating lots of young guys but they don't face it head on I included. I found that i could relate to the life of Larry in more ways than any other book I've read and it got me reflecting on my life and the choices I've made oflate. I have a friend who went to rehab after battling this dragon and unfortunately he has relapsed again this year and i find it hard to tell him it's wrong to drink while my self I'm drinking. I've been following Biko's blog for the last 3yrs ever since I was introduced by my then girlfriend and since then I've been following him like a religion. If there is anything I look forward to is his articles every Tuesday. Drunk is humerous witty and intriguing all woven together to drive a point home. I would give it a rating of 4.5/5.
I know a book is good when I can read it continuosly with a break. The issue of alcoholism is an elephant that is eating lots of young guys but they don't face it head on I included. I found that i could relate to the life of Larry in more ways than any other book I've read and it got me reflecting on my life and the choices I've made oflate. I have a friend who went to rehab after battling this dragon and unfortunately he has relapsed again this year and i find it hard to tell him it's wrong to drink while my self I'm drinking. I've been following Biko's blog for the last 3yrs ever since I was introduced by my then girlfriend and since then I've been following him like a religion. If there is anything I look forward to is his articles every Tuesday. Drunk is humerous witty and intriguing all woven together to drive a point home. I would give it a rating of 4.5/5.
June 11, 2018
4.3 stars.
Biko is a very good story teller, that we already established.
The book didn't disappoint, only that it was shorter than I expected. I mean, yes it is a pocket-size-book but surely, Biko, you're sure you couldn't give Larry a little more time to be with us? And Malkia?
And the suspense! My goodness! Just when you want to know what happened then boom! The End.
And....spoiler alert, no happy ending.
However, I feel that maybe it could have been pointed out that what Larry suffers from is a mental condition. He is fictitious yes but that guy suffers from some kind of mental illness but us Africans, we are yet to come to terms with it.
Read.This.Book!
Biko is a very good story teller, that we already established.
The book didn't disappoint, only that it was shorter than I expected. I mean, yes it is a pocket-size-book but surely, Biko, you're sure you couldn't give Larry a little more time to be with us? And Malkia?
And the suspense! My goodness! Just when you want to know what happened then boom! The End.
And....spoiler alert, no happy ending.
However, I feel that maybe it could have been pointed out that what Larry suffers from is a mental condition. He is fictitious yes but that guy suffers from some kind of mental illness but us Africans, we are yet to come to terms with it.
Read.This.Book!
June 16, 2018
Very interesting read. The suspense is intense, I just kept flipping the pages. Biko is super entertaining as always and there is a feeling of familiarity with the book that just keeps you hooked. Having dealt with an alcoholic, I connected deeply with the book and with Larry. I laughed and cried and kept telling my friends how they should just get copy because I was sure it would touch them.
The book however needs a lot of editing - a lot! As I was reading I kept thinking how I would have loved to be the editor- it would be an amzing book to work on. Hopefully later editions will be devoid of the grammatical errors that this 1st one had.
All in all, it is a fantastic book. Read it!
The book however needs a lot of editing - a lot! As I was reading I kept thinking how I would have loved to be the editor- it would be an amzing book to work on. Hopefully later editions will be devoid of the grammatical errors that this 1st one had.
All in all, it is a fantastic book. Read it!
August 18, 2018
If you read Bikozulu's blog then you know what to expect. Humour, wit, relatability and a couple of life lessons all in a short story. This is not any different. It read like one of his blog posts only longer. This is a story of how the fight against our demons is a tough journey affecting the people who are around us everyday and the people who momentarily cross our paths. A story about past relationships defining present and future relationships.
Why I recommend it: it will make you smile and it will make you sigh in sadness in equal measure. Plus, you get to say you have read a book in an hour.
Why I recommend it: it will make you smile and it will make you sigh in sadness in equal measure. Plus, you get to say you have read a book in an hour.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews