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A Working Class State of Mind
Written entirely in East coast Scots A Working Class State of Mind, the debut book by Colin Burnett, brings the everyday reality and language of life in Scotland to the surface.
Colin's fiction takes themes in the social sciences and animates them in vivid ethnographic portrayals of what it means to be working class in Scotland today.
Delving into the tragic exploits of Aldo as well as his long time suffering best friends Dougie and Craig, the book follows these and other characters as they make their way in a city more divided along class lines than ever before.
Colin's fiction takes themes in the social sciences and animates them in vivid ethnographic portrayals of what it means to be working class in Scotland today.
Delving into the tragic exploits of Aldo as well as his long time suffering best friends Dougie and Craig, the book follows these and other characters as they make their way in a city more divided along class lines than ever before.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2021
31 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Colin Burnett
2 booksColin Burnett is an Edinburgh based novelist and short-story writer. Pulling from both his education in Sociology and belief in the importance of upholding Scottish culture, language and history, Burnett has written both fictional and non-fictional works.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 10, 2022
Amazing set of stories. I inhaled these in one day. Couldn't get enough.
If you like Scottish banter, this is a must!!
If you like Scottish banter, this is a must!!
March 19, 2024
A Working Class State of Mind trawls Leith and gives us an insight into the lives of some of its more colourful working-class denizens. It’s essentially a collection of short stories which, because of their interconnectedness, means that the book could also be classified as a composite novel.
Where Burns celebrated his “wee timorous beastie” – a mouse – Burnett’s opening story features a spider (that also makes it on to the cover of the book).
One of the delights of reading this work is that Burnett’s language is shot through with pithy comparisons such as “ma flat is that cauld it wid gee an Eskimo the shivers”.
Having read Finnegans Wake, the Scots vernacular in which A Working Class State of Mind is written is not a problem. The only issue I had was the way in which structurally complete sentences were broken up into shorter units by the use of unnecessary periods.
The book is also marred by some sloppy editing and proofreading. See “General Custard” p. 20, “fitabw” p. 29, “embraked on” and “sutck” p. 91, “Not only did you ensure sure…” p. 203, “Knowing that mines do…” p. 219, and “lovlely” p. 220.
These minor imperfections aside, it’s an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars out of 5, hence 4/5.
Where Burns celebrated his “wee timorous beastie” – a mouse – Burnett’s opening story features a spider (that also makes it on to the cover of the book).
One of the delights of reading this work is that Burnett’s language is shot through with pithy comparisons such as “ma flat is that cauld it wid gee an Eskimo the shivers”.
Having read Finnegans Wake, the Scots vernacular in which A Working Class State of Mind is written is not a problem. The only issue I had was the way in which structurally complete sentences were broken up into shorter units by the use of unnecessary periods.
The book is also marred by some sloppy editing and proofreading. See “General Custard” p. 20, “fitabw” p. 29, “embraked on” and “sutck” p. 91, “Not only did you ensure sure…” p. 203, “Knowing that mines do…” p. 219, and “lovlely” p. 220.
These minor imperfections aside, it’s an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars out of 5, hence 4/5.
September 11, 2021
A series of interlinked short stories with a group of Leithers of the generation after the Trainspotting generation. Aye. No bad.
April 12, 2022
A wee test for me as I'm more familiar with west coast Scots Vs east coast Scots, and not a native speaker of either, but you soon tune into the voices of this cast of rather colourful characters.
When I first moved to Scotland I considered myself a rather sheltered wee English lassie, but was struck by the chapter about attending a fancy "do" feeling like everyone else is sniffing you out. That was a massive flashback to my university days, my feelings of being deemed an imposter. Just goes to show that sometimes you have more in common with a cross-section of society than you'd expect. Felt some solidarity there.
I realised that I have not read many male, especially working class, authors lately, and this was a great book to rectify that. It's a snapshot of the rage, acceptance, ambition and camaraderie among those who are often forced to be socially voiceless.
But they're speaking loud and clear here. Not always nice folk, but real folk. Yet even Aldo gets something of a redemption arc. Very well done by Colin Burnett to make you rage at the pages Aldo first appears, seething at his glory hunting ways with the football especially, but then finding yourself thinking "aye, I think I might like him now" by the end. Still a bit of a rotter mind!
It's quite short but hopefully now it's out there, there's more to come. Modern Scots literature is growing and that's very much a good thing.
When I first moved to Scotland I considered myself a rather sheltered wee English lassie, but was struck by the chapter about attending a fancy "do" feeling like everyone else is sniffing you out. That was a massive flashback to my university days, my feelings of being deemed an imposter. Just goes to show that sometimes you have more in common with a cross-section of society than you'd expect. Felt some solidarity there.
I realised that I have not read many male, especially working class, authors lately, and this was a great book to rectify that. It's a snapshot of the rage, acceptance, ambition and camaraderie among those who are often forced to be socially voiceless.
But they're speaking loud and clear here. Not always nice folk, but real folk. Yet even Aldo gets something of a redemption arc. Very well done by Colin Burnett to make you rage at the pages Aldo first appears, seething at his glory hunting ways with the football especially, but then finding yourself thinking "aye, I think I might like him now" by the end. Still a bit of a rotter mind!
It's quite short but hopefully now it's out there, there's more to come. Modern Scots literature is growing and that's very much a good thing.
October 4, 2021
Great book.
Very much in the style of Irvine Welsh with genuine laugh out loud moments amongst the social commentary. There is lots to enjoy and relate to, even for someone from the Glasgow rather than Leith.
Very much in the style of Irvine Welsh with genuine laugh out loud moments amongst the social commentary. There is lots to enjoy and relate to, even for someone from the Glasgow rather than Leith.
September 20, 2022
"Lower yur fuckin voice, you! He's goat a gid grasp ae English!"
Class! Didn't want to put it down.
Class! Didn't want to put it down.
June 24, 2021
A powerful debut collection from Burnett. His rendering of the east coast Scots dialect rings clear and true. The stories examine societal flaws and frictions with humour, pathos and subtlety. There is a wide range of relatable characters and tragedies. The book serves as a rallying cry for the working classes to unite against society's chains.
June 26, 2021
What an outstanding read. Narrated in the Scottish vernacular; there are 10 short stories about three lifelong friends in Edinburgh. It is at times gritty and dark but Colin Burnett’s skilful and exquisite use of pithy laugh out loud humour is terrific. If you enjoyed Rab C Nessbit and/or Auf Wiedersehen Pet then you will love this. As you read you can picture every scene in your minds eye. Really this would make a fantastic script. I loved it. Sat reading I laughed out loud that many times that neighbours on the camp site grew curious and some wandered over for a chat. I read some extracts to them. It became a very social afternoon. Amazing what a good book can do!
July 12, 2021
An excellent debut, written in East Coast Scots, that describes what it means to be working class in modern Scotland.
May 14, 2022
See, ah figured oot what gave the elite their power, eh? It wisnae their lands or titles. It wis their education. Ma weapon ae choice wisnae a rifle or a chisel, it wis a library caird. It suddenly dawned oan me that education is indeed power. And there’s nuttin maire dangerous in this country than a workin man wae a library caird who isnae afraid tae use it.
I actually originally picked this up thinking it was non-fiction (based on the cover and title) but instead found myself falling into a searing collection of interconnected stories rendered in lyrical east coast Scots immortalising a community defined by grit and graft and gall with fierce fellowship and even fiercer patter.
There wis nae grand monuments wae there names oan it. Or even a park bench tae remember thum by, there wis only me. In the end though, what defined their years oan this planet wis a piece ae paper tae say when they arrived and when they departed. That’s the workin class autobiography.
It’s given me an entirely new understanding of Edinburgh, my knowledge of which (as a Weegie uprooted to Clacks) is largely contained to Princes Street and its surrounding parks and architecture despite frequent childhood jaunts and a work experience stint at the City Council rather than its people and its past. I was pretty ignorant of the fact there’s still just as stark a wealth disparity as Glasgow. And, like, my familiarity with Leith started and stopped with The Proclaimers.
Those who sit oan the throne ae power dinnae want the likes ae us hinkin aboot or questionin the world aroond us. Insteed, they want mindless drones sittin aboot scratchin their baws in the hope the lotto will gee us a wey oot ae poverty. The last hing they want is us creatin oor ain pathwey acroass the minefields ae life. But that’s exactly what ah planned tae dae.
The story Sebastian the Great set at the playwright awards ceremony where our protagonist reads his satirical Boris Johnstone piece also perfectly encapsulates the precise energy of the entire publishing industry in microcosm… It’s uncanny.
Ah’ve soon cloacked a couple ae other writers who, like massel, huv strayed awey fae the flock. Ah spoated thum by the wey they took their complimentary gless ae bubbly fae yin ae the waiters. Like me they looked as if they hud jist been passed the rotten corpse ae a deed bairn. Everboady else appears tae be caught up in the moment as they mingle and chat awey tae each other between exaggerated moothfulls ae smoked salmon sandwiches. Ah’m riddled wae anxiety. Sae unsure ae massel that yae wid hink ah’m aboot go oot and hae an uncomfortable chat wae Letterman. Jesus, here comes a boay who appears tae huv jist crawled oaff the pages ae The Great Gatsby. This forty-somethin lookin boay is certainly dressed fur the occasion. His stylishly messy warm broon hair compliments the fashionable light navy suit that’s he’s modellin. Suttin that probably coast a small fortune and wis nae doot tailor-made. Even the gless ae bubbly gripped in his hand seems tae fit snugly. And goes taegether as naturally as bacon and eggs. Ah wish he wisnae heidin in ma direction likes but he is.
Thankful to have found this gem and will be looking out for more from the author.
Sure, the lads and lassies fae ma wey could see places further than the number thirty yin bus could take us tae. But only if yae wur willin tae die fur Queen and capitalism. ‘Here’s a rifle, son. Go oot and shoot cunts.’ Some ae us wants maire than tae be a soldier ae fortune in someboady else’s war. Or, tae spend oor miserable existence sittin behind a desk punchin in someboady else’s cloack. Aw until oor time comes tae an end and wur left wonderin how it aw went sae wrong.
Yae jist need tae look at the land ah come fae tae tell yae there’s nae future withoot action. A land so beautiful that it looks as if it’s been conceived by the mind ae Michaelangelo. Yit there’s five million voices and nae cunt kin hear us.
October 1, 2022
Absolutely superb!
‘A Working Class State of Mind’ was another purchase based on positive comments on a Twitter thread. I’d never have envisaged it, but ‘books written by decent people on Twitter’ is providing me with some quality reading material at the moment. I also love reading books written by working-class authors about lived working-class experiences. I know I have said a lot in reviews before but it is so important for me to read working-class perspectives in literature and I wish I was exposed to it more when I was younger. I am sure it would have led to me pursuing my own interest in writing more. For many working-class people, expressing their selves through literature has been seen as something that other people do, and books are written for other people about people not from our class. I write this from a position of relative security, but reading works by authors like Burnett reminds me not only of my roots, but also the joy, hardships, character and voices of working-class people.
‘A Working Class State of Mind’ is a selection of broadly connected stories mostly centred around the lives of three men living in Edinburgh. Their lives are connected through schoolboy friendships which grow into adulthood. Each story has an overarching theme but each story is infused with character. One cannot read the book without laughing on almost every page. It’s funny, even though the subject matter hardly is. The humour is sardonic, even cynical at times but always witty. Burnett perfectly catches the right turn of phrase or the cutting remark or scathingly accurate analogy. I think this comes from an authenticity that can’t be faked. Now it’s true that visiting Edinburgh once doesn’t qualify me as an expert in the working-class life of the city, but his characters whilst definitely rooted in a sense of place nevertheless are familiar to anyone with a poor and working-class background. Sure, the language is coarse (I think I read a comment that the ‘c’ word is used over a hundred times in the book) and at times the characters use language which has no notion of being politically correct, but it is authentic, it’s honest. (As an aside, it’s an interesting exploration of language – the ‘c’ word is considered exceptionally insulting in some parts of the world and I know many people object to gendered slurs with good reason due to the misogyny in the word, and yet in many working-class communities, especially in Scotland and the North of England you will hear the word liberally spread in sentences without the bat of an eyelid.)
I think the ways the characters speak is so familiar to anyone who spends time in working-class male spaces. When one has fuck all, all one has is a sense of humour, because if you don’t laugh then you are going to cry. So many of the quotable lines in the book will make you cringe, but remind you of ‘that guy’ in the pub who just said what he said, and you want to hang your head thinking, ‘for fuck’s sake’, but you laugh about it later. It works because for every spoken line I could find a touchpoint to somewhere or someone in my life.
Staying with the theme of language, the book is written in East Scots. This doesn’t make it challenging to read (especially if you know any Scottish people, or at least can ‘hear’ a Scottish accent). I think though it is quite liberating for authors to reclaim their language and to write in it, whether that’s East Scots, Jamaican patois or even books written in Lancashire or Yorkshire dialects. As people become more and more geographically mobile and media ever more homogenised it’s more important than ever to retain and reclaim our language as legitimate expression. It horrifies me somewhat that I can read ‘Lancashire dialect’ but my children would probably struggle. In the UK there are languages such as Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Scots, Gaelic, Irish and lots of regional dialects. There are Indian English and Patois speakers too, and probably more – all are at risk if all our media is produced in an acceptable form of English. Language helps us express ourselves and our culture so I am so pleased to read books like this. I imagine Scots readers value it more.
As identified, I think the book has an inherently male perspective too. I don’t think it means that people who are not male won’t enjoy it, but it is definitely a book about men. The stories focus around predominantly male spaces – the football, the bookies, the pub. Male views are brought to the front – the relationship to work and unemployment and the need to provide, violence, navigating being true to one’s roots and class (and being ‘one of the lads’) whilst maintaining relationships. I don’t think this book celebrates masculinity though – I think it reflects a kind of masculinity back on one’s self. There is a real sense of men having their ‘balls cut off’, that emasculation that comes from being downtrodden and beaten up by a system. It’s a book about finding hope and pride when sometimes you don’t have any.
Most of the reviews in the book mention Aldo, who I think is often referred to as a modern-day Begbie (the psycho from ‘Trainspotting’). If I am being honest, I don’t think I am as enamoured with Aldo as other reviewers and I think it is his long-suffering mate Dougie who is the heart of the book. Maybe Dougie reminds me of myself. I had enough of my youth scratching around on the dole, and to an extent, because I no longer worry (too much anyway) about feeding my family I have that sense of being a ‘class traitor’ and like Dougie have had in the past had to navigate the challenge of ‘old mates’ and ‘the person I want to spend my life with’. (As an aside I loved Justine, his partner and felt sorry for her and all the crap she put up with. You don’t really see it from the perspective of the men but I think she’s a good ‘un). Dougie has his mates rocking up and skinning up in his house, having his mates fiddle credit using his address, he puts up with his mates getting him into shit down the pub, even getting sparked out due to the actions of others. Yeah, he’s long suffering, but I think he'll never let go, because friends are like that.
Aldo is a South Asian drug dealer and an absolute psychopath. He’s a loose cannon – the kind of bloke who there is always a sense of danger with. The kind of person who you are always watching your step with in case you get a kicking. I think my aversion to him was because I grew up with people like him (fuck, I’m related to people like him) and it is fucking EXHAUSTING going for a pint with someone who could just go off at the drop of a hat either on you or someone else. So, Aldo’s dealing, fighting, piss-taking wisecracks feel a bit to familiar for me. I think people who like him, perhaps haven’t had to live with folk like that. (I used to have a mate, through mutual political activity was an absolute FUCKING LIABILITY, and it took ages to ditch them ha ha – honestly Aldo is a bit raw for me). I also think people may see him as a caricature and to an extent I get that, but honestly there are people not to dissimilar to him about.
And whilst I can sound quite critical of Aldo (I mean, I’m going to stay spoiler free but some of the shit he pulls ranges from cheeky to exploitative to psychopathic), he is still a character who backs up his mates, tries to sort things out for what people care about and in the most tender story in the book capable of the deepest love.
I don’t think I have a favourite story but the highlights for me are;
The story about Aldo taking a dog in (oh my, one would need a heart of stone not to be moved by this)
The story about the football – my gosh anyone who has ever supported shite will be able to identify with it and the notion of the glory hunter bedecked in the club’s colours.
Two stories about imposter syndrome in middle class spaces and also about being a traitor to one’s class. This hits me hard, because in my heart and soul I am working-class but economically I am no longer. I know a redundancy puts me back on my arse but I also know my kids upbringing isn’t the same as mine.
The story about signing on – it’s been a fair while since I’ve been in that position but that feeling of helplessness as you are treated like shit because you aren’t in work. Claimants are treated with disdain and as if they are an inconvenience and that nod, that if only you just pulled your finger out you’d be right. It’s dehumanising….
The author is working on his second book and I am pretty certain I’ll be picking it up as soon as it comes out. It isn’t glamourous and it isn’t pretty but Colin Burnett is a brilliant voice and it’s a testament to himself that he captures so perfectly the way people live, speak and experience the world around them. I feel quite lucky to have picked this up by chance and I strongly recommend this work.
‘A Working Class State of Mind’ was another purchase based on positive comments on a Twitter thread. I’d never have envisaged it, but ‘books written by decent people on Twitter’ is providing me with some quality reading material at the moment. I also love reading books written by working-class authors about lived working-class experiences. I know I have said a lot in reviews before but it is so important for me to read working-class perspectives in literature and I wish I was exposed to it more when I was younger. I am sure it would have led to me pursuing my own interest in writing more. For many working-class people, expressing their selves through literature has been seen as something that other people do, and books are written for other people about people not from our class. I write this from a position of relative security, but reading works by authors like Burnett reminds me not only of my roots, but also the joy, hardships, character and voices of working-class people.
‘A Working Class State of Mind’ is a selection of broadly connected stories mostly centred around the lives of three men living in Edinburgh. Their lives are connected through schoolboy friendships which grow into adulthood. Each story has an overarching theme but each story is infused with character. One cannot read the book without laughing on almost every page. It’s funny, even though the subject matter hardly is. The humour is sardonic, even cynical at times but always witty. Burnett perfectly catches the right turn of phrase or the cutting remark or scathingly accurate analogy. I think this comes from an authenticity that can’t be faked. Now it’s true that visiting Edinburgh once doesn’t qualify me as an expert in the working-class life of the city, but his characters whilst definitely rooted in a sense of place nevertheless are familiar to anyone with a poor and working-class background. Sure, the language is coarse (I think I read a comment that the ‘c’ word is used over a hundred times in the book) and at times the characters use language which has no notion of being politically correct, but it is authentic, it’s honest. (As an aside, it’s an interesting exploration of language – the ‘c’ word is considered exceptionally insulting in some parts of the world and I know many people object to gendered slurs with good reason due to the misogyny in the word, and yet in many working-class communities, especially in Scotland and the North of England you will hear the word liberally spread in sentences without the bat of an eyelid.)
I think the ways the characters speak is so familiar to anyone who spends time in working-class male spaces. When one has fuck all, all one has is a sense of humour, because if you don’t laugh then you are going to cry. So many of the quotable lines in the book will make you cringe, but remind you of ‘that guy’ in the pub who just said what he said, and you want to hang your head thinking, ‘for fuck’s sake’, but you laugh about it later. It works because for every spoken line I could find a touchpoint to somewhere or someone in my life.
Staying with the theme of language, the book is written in East Scots. This doesn’t make it challenging to read (especially if you know any Scottish people, or at least can ‘hear’ a Scottish accent). I think though it is quite liberating for authors to reclaim their language and to write in it, whether that’s East Scots, Jamaican patois or even books written in Lancashire or Yorkshire dialects. As people become more and more geographically mobile and media ever more homogenised it’s more important than ever to retain and reclaim our language as legitimate expression. It horrifies me somewhat that I can read ‘Lancashire dialect’ but my children would probably struggle. In the UK there are languages such as Welsh, Cornish, Manx, Scots, Gaelic, Irish and lots of regional dialects. There are Indian English and Patois speakers too, and probably more – all are at risk if all our media is produced in an acceptable form of English. Language helps us express ourselves and our culture so I am so pleased to read books like this. I imagine Scots readers value it more.
As identified, I think the book has an inherently male perspective too. I don’t think it means that people who are not male won’t enjoy it, but it is definitely a book about men. The stories focus around predominantly male spaces – the football, the bookies, the pub. Male views are brought to the front – the relationship to work and unemployment and the need to provide, violence, navigating being true to one’s roots and class (and being ‘one of the lads’) whilst maintaining relationships. I don’t think this book celebrates masculinity though – I think it reflects a kind of masculinity back on one’s self. There is a real sense of men having their ‘balls cut off’, that emasculation that comes from being downtrodden and beaten up by a system. It’s a book about finding hope and pride when sometimes you don’t have any.
Most of the reviews in the book mention Aldo, who I think is often referred to as a modern-day Begbie (the psycho from ‘Trainspotting’). If I am being honest, I don’t think I am as enamoured with Aldo as other reviewers and I think it is his long-suffering mate Dougie who is the heart of the book. Maybe Dougie reminds me of myself. I had enough of my youth scratching around on the dole, and to an extent, because I no longer worry (too much anyway) about feeding my family I have that sense of being a ‘class traitor’ and like Dougie have had in the past had to navigate the challenge of ‘old mates’ and ‘the person I want to spend my life with’. (As an aside I loved Justine, his partner and felt sorry for her and all the crap she put up with. You don’t really see it from the perspective of the men but I think she’s a good ‘un). Dougie has his mates rocking up and skinning up in his house, having his mates fiddle credit using his address, he puts up with his mates getting him into shit down the pub, even getting sparked out due to the actions of others. Yeah, he’s long suffering, but I think he'll never let go, because friends are like that.
Aldo is a South Asian drug dealer and an absolute psychopath. He’s a loose cannon – the kind of bloke who there is always a sense of danger with. The kind of person who you are always watching your step with in case you get a kicking. I think my aversion to him was because I grew up with people like him (fuck, I’m related to people like him) and it is fucking EXHAUSTING going for a pint with someone who could just go off at the drop of a hat either on you or someone else. So, Aldo’s dealing, fighting, piss-taking wisecracks feel a bit to familiar for me. I think people who like him, perhaps haven’t had to live with folk like that. (I used to have a mate, through mutual political activity was an absolute FUCKING LIABILITY, and it took ages to ditch them ha ha – honestly Aldo is a bit raw for me). I also think people may see him as a caricature and to an extent I get that, but honestly there are people not to dissimilar to him about.
And whilst I can sound quite critical of Aldo (I mean, I’m going to stay spoiler free but some of the shit he pulls ranges from cheeky to exploitative to psychopathic), he is still a character who backs up his mates, tries to sort things out for what people care about and in the most tender story in the book capable of the deepest love.
I don’t think I have a favourite story but the highlights for me are;
The story about Aldo taking a dog in (oh my, one would need a heart of stone not to be moved by this)
The story about the football – my gosh anyone who has ever supported shite will be able to identify with it and the notion of the glory hunter bedecked in the club’s colours.
Two stories about imposter syndrome in middle class spaces and also about being a traitor to one’s class. This hits me hard, because in my heart and soul I am working-class but economically I am no longer. I know a redundancy puts me back on my arse but I also know my kids upbringing isn’t the same as mine.
The story about signing on – it’s been a fair while since I’ve been in that position but that feeling of helplessness as you are treated like shit because you aren’t in work. Claimants are treated with disdain and as if they are an inconvenience and that nod, that if only you just pulled your finger out you’d be right. It’s dehumanising….
The author is working on his second book and I am pretty certain I’ll be picking it up as soon as it comes out. It isn’t glamourous and it isn’t pretty but Colin Burnett is a brilliant voice and it’s a testament to himself that he captures so perfectly the way people live, speak and experience the world around them. I feel quite lucky to have picked this up by chance and I strongly recommend this work.
December 10, 2021
“See a figured oot what gave the elite their power, eh? It wisnae their lands or titles. It wis their education. Ma weapon ae choice wisnae a rifle or a chisel, it was a library caird. It suddenly dawned on me that education is indeed power.”
A hilarious, thought provoking and down right interesting set of short stories on what it means to be a working class male in the East Coast of Scotland.
I must admit that although I found the first two stories really interesting and they brought up some really brilliant points, I wasn’t sure this book was going to be for me. Simply put, there’s the use of a couple of sentences that made me a bit too uncomfortable in relation to women (I can handle a lot but it was maybe just overstepping the mark). But I persevered and I’m really glad I did. I think that maybe the phrases that were used were there to show these guys for who they are, and knowing people who remind me of these characters I do agree that is probably just how they would speak! I’m glad to report that the rest of the stories don’t contain as much of this and are actually even more powerful because of this!
Aldo has actually caught me off guard. He’s definitely a bit like Begbie from Trainspotting but he has a lot more to him than you first think. The prime example of a guy that survived because of the tough guy act, but actually might be a softy underneath (just need to look at his interactions with Bruce to see it). I love the fact that all these short stories were interlinked for that reason, you got to see these guys grow a bit as you went through and learn more than what was initially shown on the surface.
Something that really surprised me was the story “Sheep without a Shepherd” which actually made me very very emotional in amongst all the hilarity. It’s clear that the author has a very clever mind and has points that he wants to get across to his readers. And I think he does so very well.
A working class state of mind is a brilliant look at the Social culture of certain people in Scotland and I believe is going to be a great place to start for anyone who doesn’t class themselves as a reader!
A hilarious, thought provoking and down right interesting set of short stories on what it means to be a working class male in the East Coast of Scotland.
I must admit that although I found the first two stories really interesting and they brought up some really brilliant points, I wasn’t sure this book was going to be for me. Simply put, there’s the use of a couple of sentences that made me a bit too uncomfortable in relation to women (I can handle a lot but it was maybe just overstepping the mark). But I persevered and I’m really glad I did. I think that maybe the phrases that were used were there to show these guys for who they are, and knowing people who remind me of these characters I do agree that is probably just how they would speak! I’m glad to report that the rest of the stories don’t contain as much of this and are actually even more powerful because of this!
Aldo has actually caught me off guard. He’s definitely a bit like Begbie from Trainspotting but he has a lot more to him than you first think. The prime example of a guy that survived because of the tough guy act, but actually might be a softy underneath (just need to look at his interactions with Bruce to see it). I love the fact that all these short stories were interlinked for that reason, you got to see these guys grow a bit as you went through and learn more than what was initially shown on the surface.
Something that really surprised me was the story “Sheep without a Shepherd” which actually made me very very emotional in amongst all the hilarity. It’s clear that the author has a very clever mind and has points that he wants to get across to his readers. And I think he does so very well.
A working class state of mind is a brilliant look at the Social culture of certain people in Scotland and I believe is going to be a great place to start for anyone who doesn’t class themselves as a reader!
August 1, 2021
With an amusing slant, the writer discloses the everyday trials of the Scottish working class as seen through the views of three companions snagged up in a segregated civil class.
I appreciated this novel very much; the author composes a good deal of the text in Scottish vernacular, which called for me to resort to a Gaelic translation in reserve. Highly recommend.
I appreciated this novel very much; the author composes a good deal of the text in Scottish vernacular, which called for me to resort to a Gaelic translation in reserve. Highly recommend.
December 30, 2021
I picked this one up after hearing Colin Burnett on the wee scottish book club podcast and was immediately intrigued.
The book is made up of connected short stories that are HILARIOUS, tragic, political and violent and sometimes all in the same paragraph.
I genuinely loved it, the characters are fantastic and have loads of depth to them. They are all working class men, and masculinity, violence, pride and identity are central to their stories.
I especially loved Aldo, who in one moment is condemning those who vote Tory and a dedicated and loyal pal and the next is absolutely vile in the way he speaks about marginalised people. I never knew what I was going to get from his chapters and that kept me pulled in.
I loved how vivid the setting was too, it early brought me back to Edinburgh and all of the pubs I would swiftly avoid.
Personally my favourite chapter was Ordinary Criminals because it really brought to the forefront the indignity of the Job Centre and people being made to feel like a number.
Cannot recommend this enough, plus it's written in Scots which I always love
The book is made up of connected short stories that are HILARIOUS, tragic, political and violent and sometimes all in the same paragraph.
I genuinely loved it, the characters are fantastic and have loads of depth to them. They are all working class men, and masculinity, violence, pride and identity are central to their stories.
I especially loved Aldo, who in one moment is condemning those who vote Tory and a dedicated and loyal pal and the next is absolutely vile in the way he speaks about marginalised people. I never knew what I was going to get from his chapters and that kept me pulled in.
I loved how vivid the setting was too, it early brought me back to Edinburgh and all of the pubs I would swiftly avoid.
Personally my favourite chapter was Ordinary Criminals because it really brought to the forefront the indignity of the Job Centre and people being made to feel like a number.
Cannot recommend this enough, plus it's written in Scots which I always love
May 22, 2022
Colin has done a great job with his book and I admire that he has written it using east coast lingo. When I first moved to Edinburgh in the early 80s I lived on Leith Walk and I'm familiar with most of the locations in the book and think he has really captured the essence of areas of the city that tourists rarely see. Some folk might be put off by the language style but I'd urge them to keep going. It's easy to read and the three main characters are wholly believable. Four main characters really (the dog). I also like the cover of the book too. Get yourself a copy and give it a read. You'll thank me.
September 11, 2022
A cracking debut from Colin Burnett. Parts of this novel are basically well depressing, mainly because this book tells it like it sadly is. But the stories and characters are enthralling, entertaining, and at times hilarious. We need more books like this in the world that don’t paper over the cracks in society but jump right down them. I’m looking forward to reading more stories about Aldo and co.
October 28, 2021
Excellent book that truly feels Scottish. I loved the language and the issues dealt with. I give it 4* only because I felt it ended rather abruptly and would have like to have seen the question of class betrayal explored further. I did really enjoy the switch of narration to Aldo’s perspective (and I am a sucker for a story about a dog…)!
February 1, 2022
I absolutely loved this book and although we are only in February I know it will be my favourite book of the year. It is honest, gritty, funny and I loved that it was written in Scots. I sincerely hope this is not the last book by Colin Burnett, I want to know how Aldo, Dougie and Craig get on after this.
July 6, 2022
It took me a little bit to get into the flow of this book because it is written in dialect. However, I then listened to it on Audible and I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories, which provided some really sharp, funny and at times heartbreaking observations of working class Scotland.
February 11, 2023
An exceptional book that perfectly reflects working Class life. A respectful and sympathetic novel about living in poverty, written with wit. I am really looking forward to reading more books from this author.
August 18, 2021
Uproariously funny, chock full of laugh out loud moments.
September 3, 2021
Great to see a book written in East coast Scots, though I did lapse into my own west coast version of it. Thoroughly entertaining, and would enjoy reading about these characters again.
February 25, 2022
Fantastic book
Loved the characters, it was great to hear them speak normally, like maist a us dae. You should gie it a go.
Loved the characters, it was great to hear them speak normally, like maist a us dae. You should gie it a go.
April 15, 2023
Absolutely fantastic
If You enjoy Trainspotting this is a must read
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and had me in stitches more than once
If You enjoy Trainspotting this is a must read
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and had me in stitches more than once
February 12, 2026
Read a book in Scots and it’s a parallel reading. I’m from Dumfries. Lots of the words and intonations are different from those used in this book, so every sentence can involve a bit of interpretation if not translation. But how dae ye spell it? Ah micht ken Dumfries when Ah hear it, but Ah canna spell it. It’s a language of sounds not of letters.
Parallel that censorship of sound with the political censorship of centuries of the Scottish Establishment kowtowing tae the English Establishment and insisting that English is what is taught in Scottish schools and speaking English, albeit with a refined Scots accent, is a mark of culture. It’s the peasants whae cannae talk richt, an they cannae spell it when they talk it.
You make a decision when you write. If you want to sell your stories, you have to write them in English – that way you can sell them to American markets. It’s aw aboot self-censorship. An years o skil teachers beltin it oot o ye.
So, the stories? A dozen here. Quite entertaining. Smiled the odd time, came nowhere close to an orgasm, recognised a lot of situations. And it’s still that problem. D’ye set oot tae sell/tell a story caus it’s in Scots … or do you set out to write a good story, then transpose it intae Scots? Ah dinnae try tae write in Scots caus Ah dinnae ken how tae. Je parle a bit de Froggie, but Ah’m no gan tae try et ecrit une histoire in Froggie.
Annoyingly I have a daughter who speaks 8 languages (might be 10 by now) – cannae help but wonder why kids in the UK are denied access to a range of languages (there are European countries where kids are expected to be fluent in 4 or 5, regardless what class they come from)?
So the stories? Slow reading because I had to do double takes from time to time. Quite entertaining tales, no orgasms. And, as usual, left looking at the vacuum. The elyphant in the room is the fact we dinnae talk aboot class culture and the class system language cements in Scotland. So fair play tae Colin Burnett – simply by including the words ‘working class’ in the title he’s drawn attention tae yon elyphant.
And they’re working class stories – a dozen of them – where folk talk o drugs an booze an dole an the bookies an fitba an gettin laid an how ye’d like tae smash yon cunt an wipe the smile aff his physog. An, oh yes, there are maybe a few words per page which might frighten the servants, the horses and cause your maiden aunt tae blush, never mind wet hersel.
Worth a read.
Parallel that censorship of sound with the political censorship of centuries of the Scottish Establishment kowtowing tae the English Establishment and insisting that English is what is taught in Scottish schools and speaking English, albeit with a refined Scots accent, is a mark of culture. It’s the peasants whae cannae talk richt, an they cannae spell it when they talk it.
You make a decision when you write. If you want to sell your stories, you have to write them in English – that way you can sell them to American markets. It’s aw aboot self-censorship. An years o skil teachers beltin it oot o ye.
So, the stories? A dozen here. Quite entertaining. Smiled the odd time, came nowhere close to an orgasm, recognised a lot of situations. And it’s still that problem. D’ye set oot tae sell/tell a story caus it’s in Scots … or do you set out to write a good story, then transpose it intae Scots? Ah dinnae try tae write in Scots caus Ah dinnae ken how tae. Je parle a bit de Froggie, but Ah’m no gan tae try et ecrit une histoire in Froggie.
Annoyingly I have a daughter who speaks 8 languages (might be 10 by now) – cannae help but wonder why kids in the UK are denied access to a range of languages (there are European countries where kids are expected to be fluent in 4 or 5, regardless what class they come from)?
So the stories? Slow reading because I had to do double takes from time to time. Quite entertaining tales, no orgasms. And, as usual, left looking at the vacuum. The elyphant in the room is the fact we dinnae talk aboot class culture and the class system language cements in Scotland. So fair play tae Colin Burnett – simply by including the words ‘working class’ in the title he’s drawn attention tae yon elyphant.
And they’re working class stories – a dozen of them – where folk talk o drugs an booze an dole an the bookies an fitba an gettin laid an how ye’d like tae smash yon cunt an wipe the smile aff his physog. An, oh yes, there are maybe a few words per page which might frighten the servants, the horses and cause your maiden aunt tae blush, never mind wet hersel.
Worth a read.
July 28, 2021
A Working Class State of Mind by Colin Burnett is a vivid debut. A series of linked short stories centered around anti-hero Aldo, this is a brilliant read.
Through these stories, Burnett depicts what it means to be working class in Scotland today. This is a no holds barred call to arms against the bindings of a society that skews increasingly towards those who seek to squash the working class.
At times scathing, at others darkly humorous, this is a book to keep you on your toes. Aldo in particular is the kind of unpredictable character that keeps things exciting and, while you might not want to be his mate, he’s a character that’s well worth spending time with (at a safe distance).
This is another title to add to the increasing list of novels published in Scots - specifically east coast dialect (which I especially appreciate as it's my mother tongue). But that’s not to say it’s an inaccessible read to those not familiar with the language. Burnett’s writing is fast-paced, witty and clear.
Sharp and satirical, there’s much to enjoy in this profoundly Scottish book. A Working Class State of Mind is the kind of debut that gets you seriously excited about what might come next from the author. Definitely one to watch.
Through these stories, Burnett depicts what it means to be working class in Scotland today. This is a no holds barred call to arms against the bindings of a society that skews increasingly towards those who seek to squash the working class.
At times scathing, at others darkly humorous, this is a book to keep you on your toes. Aldo in particular is the kind of unpredictable character that keeps things exciting and, while you might not want to be his mate, he’s a character that’s well worth spending time with (at a safe distance).
This is another title to add to the increasing list of novels published in Scots - specifically east coast dialect (which I especially appreciate as it's my mother tongue). But that’s not to say it’s an inaccessible read to those not familiar with the language. Burnett’s writing is fast-paced, witty and clear.
Sharp and satirical, there’s much to enjoy in this profoundly Scottish book. A Working Class State of Mind is the kind of debut that gets you seriously excited about what might come next from the author. Definitely one to watch.
April 7, 2023
A Working Class State of Mind by Colin Burnett is a gem of a book that captures the essence of the working-class spirit in Scotland.
Written in Scots but with an easy-to-understand style.
The protagonist, Aldo, is a character with a heart of gold, cold and hard when needed, but so warm in the right situation.
The comparison to Trainspotting is understandable, but, in my opinion, surpasses it.
Burnett’s debut novel is an interesting read that strikes a perfect balance between humor and poignancy. The author’s vivid and authentic portrayal of the working-class lifestyle in Scotland is both refreshing and captivating, drawing readers into Aldo’s world and making them feel a part of his journey.
Aldo, the main character, is a complex and relatable protagonist. His struggles, triumphs, and interactions with others, portrayed with authenticity and empathy, will have you rooting for him till the end.
As a debut novel, A Working Class State of Mind is a remarkable achievement. It showcases Burnett’s talent as a storyteller, and I am eagerly looking forward to his future works.
I thoroughly recommend A Working Class State of Mind to anyone who appreciates authentic and engaging stories that capture the spirit of the working-class experience.
Written in Scots but with an easy-to-understand style.
The protagonist, Aldo, is a character with a heart of gold, cold and hard when needed, but so warm in the right situation.
The comparison to Trainspotting is understandable, but, in my opinion, surpasses it.
Burnett’s debut novel is an interesting read that strikes a perfect balance between humor and poignancy. The author’s vivid and authentic portrayal of the working-class lifestyle in Scotland is both refreshing and captivating, drawing readers into Aldo’s world and making them feel a part of his journey.
Aldo, the main character, is a complex and relatable protagonist. His struggles, triumphs, and interactions with others, portrayed with authenticity and empathy, will have you rooting for him till the end.
As a debut novel, A Working Class State of Mind is a remarkable achievement. It showcases Burnett’s talent as a storyteller, and I am eagerly looking forward to his future works.
I thoroughly recommend A Working Class State of Mind to anyone who appreciates authentic and engaging stories that capture the spirit of the working-class experience.
July 19, 2021
I honestly did not want this book to end. The collection of short stories, written in Scots gives you an insight into every day, working class lives. Memorable characters, stunning observations and brilliant use of language.
I got so caught up in Colin's characters that I felt I knew them and while I might not want Aldo as my best friend, I'd certainly sit and have a pint with the guy (and his dug).
A great read that I know I'll go back to again and again. Really honest writing, straight from the heart and the Scottish sense of humour oozes from the pages. Laugh out loud alongside pure, feel-good moments. I cannot wait for comes next!
I got so caught up in Colin's characters that I felt I knew them and while I might not want Aldo as my best friend, I'd certainly sit and have a pint with the guy (and his dug).
A great read that I know I'll go back to again and again. Really honest writing, straight from the heart and the Scottish sense of humour oozes from the pages. Laugh out loud alongside pure, feel-good moments. I cannot wait for comes next!
February 6, 2023
I enjoyed this for the most part but if I struggled with west coast Scots then I really had to work at the east coast version! I’m not really sure this story was trying to accomplish anything new but it did, in a darkly comic way, reinforce the gentrification of its own Leith setting and wider Scotland. Dougie, Craig and Aldo felt like very real characters tho Aldo was at times a bit OTT and I wouldn’t mind another standalone story exploring his reason for being.
Not sure if it was just the kindle version but there was numerous typos and some of the paragraph breaks just seemed really weird or non existent. Ditto for sentences.
Not sure if it was just the kindle version but there was numerous typos and some of the paragraph breaks just seemed really weird or non existent. Ditto for sentences.
June 7, 2024
This was a rare gem that manages to be genuinely funny and extremely depressing at the same time. It was fun reading something so close to home, not just the language but all the references. The non-connected stories stood out for me the most, like Sheep Without a Shepherd and Sebastian the Great, and also I don’t know if the first story was meant to be like Robert the Bruce and the spider but that was one of my favourite stories from school so that was a fun throwback.
Honourable mention:
‘Somebody yince said it’s shite bein Scottish but ah honestly dinnae hink that. It’s no shite, it’s just oaffy fuckin depressin’
Honourable mention:
‘Somebody yince said it’s shite bein Scottish but ah honestly dinnae hink that. It’s no shite, it’s just oaffy fuckin depressin’
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