Brutal

by Aiden Shaw

Set in London's underground club scene-where drug use is as commonplace as casual sex-this debut novel offers and extraordinary, sometimes bleak portrait of a lost generation for whom death is as much a companion as lovers, friends or family. New edition of an international bestseller by a well known porn star.

Genres: Gay Fiction, Fiction

130 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

A British author, musician, model and former gay porn star.

Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe that because of the life Aiden Shaw has lived, he is able to write such a rich, dark, and beautiful novel full of highs and lows that will surround you in a world of dance clubs, drug addiction, sex, and living with HIV. The fault of the publisher is that the novel is filled with distracting and confusing spelling and grammar errors that for me made the ugly in Paul’s life so much more realistic. Aiden Shaw writes a vivid picture of a difficult and hard life filled with working through hardships and about finding the reason that they punish their self with such brutality.
Reading the dialogue between the characters Sky and Paul, Aiden Shaw reminded me of the monster I use to be, and made me appreciate the efforts I’ve made to come to such a positive place in my life. Even with the re-occurring storm of negativity and meanness, there is so much love in the book too. Paul continuously battles and struggles with not only his livelihood as a prostitute, but also with sex and finding love. It’s a strong emotional journey that goes deep to the soul.
Don’t expect a happy ending that so many authors provide, and be ready to cry. I loved reading this great and off color novel so much that I immediately picked up the next book, Boundaries, and finished it in the same night.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

although i did find several typos and a few grammatical errors (yes, i'm anal about those little things) i found the book to be an easy, enjoyable read. the ending appeared somewhat abrupt and strange, however. it was an interesting entree into how aiden improved his life through psychotherapy, and gave perspective to many gay men's family problems. i admire shaw's unabashed courage in describing himself as a "prostitute" versus "hustler," "sex worker," "hooker," etc. i am looking forward to reading his next book.

[Ray Quirolgico · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel presents some dark and gritty journeys through identity and relationships, and moves through some twists and turns in sex and substances. The redemption of the main character never really materialized, and maybe it didn’t need to or couldn’t have happened, but I was left hoping for and wanting more.

[Bert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sexy and scary. A lot of drugs, a lot of sex, a lot of perversion. It reminded me very much of the works by Dennis Cooper.

[Jase]

I've been trying to read this book for about 6 months now. I got to page 7 and quit. I have never read a book so poorly written, unless you count the celestine prophecy. I hope I can 'bare' through it but this may be a tough battle. Aiden, your cock is great, and I love watching you in action, but please DON'T WRITE ANOTHER WORD!!!

6 months later and I still haven't got back to this book. Don't think I ever will.

[William Freeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard hitting no punches pulled

[Victoria Vivian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting. I fell in love with the main character and his group of close friends.