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Bottle
In Nails Kevin was a prisoner of frustration, middling, but waiting for who knows what. In Bottle he's liberated with the proverbial ""kick up the arse"" he needs. This book has got everything. Even the kitchen sink It's teeming with life and death, tears and laughter, sex and violence, parents and children, brutality and tenderness, anger and contentment... But why should I go on? Look up further antonyms yourself. Or save yourself the trouble and simply read the book. Although Bottle is the sequel to Nails it can be read in its own right.
136 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 15, 2012
In Bottle, the author (David Samson) takes the reader to Any-Town, Anywhere, where the protagonist, Kevin, is working as a mechanic. Not an immediately likeable character, the reader quickly learns that Kevin is `one of the lads', often caught up in fights and frequently found in his local pub with a group of similar friends. However, on the fateful opening morning of the novel, Kevin is given some devastating news: a former girlfriend has been killed in an accident. Distraught and overwhelmed, Kevin finds that - despite a wide social circle, a jovial work atmosphere and several women on the go - he is alone in his grief. Here in particular, but also throughout the entire novel, Kevin's emotions are tackled with accuracy and insight; readers will be able to identify with events such as Kevin forcing himself to act `normally' during a pub lunch with his friends when all he really wants to do is break down. Samson has tapped into a key human trait here: the art of `keeping it together'; Kevin is portrayed as one who feels an expression of his grief (or even acknowledgement of his loss) would be an intrusion on others, one he ought not to force upon them.
As the book progresses, so does the character of Kevin, who gradually overcomes his initial shock and undergoes some personal development, leading him to make a huge decision that could change his life. Through the medium of grief, Kevin learns more about himself in the short space of time encompassed by the novel than he has previously learnt in his whole life. However, rather than feeling rushed and unnatural, Samson gives Kevin's sudden transformation a realistic feel.
Sadly, there are a few elements that let `Bottle' down; simple grammatical errors, missed words and misspellings, which interrupt the flow of reading. One such example appears on page 92 of the paperback edition: "Drive passed them, Kurt," said Martin. Another example is on the very last page: `Now he would to throw it away'; and a further example can be found on page 86: `But she new the bus timetables by heart.' Throughout the novel, the sentence structures are very simplistic and whilst in some cases this proves an effective tool, the novel would have been an easier and more enjoyable read without the continual pauses necessitated by the end of a sentence.
Overall, Bottle proved to be a good read, presenting plenty of opportunity to consider the deeper meaning of life, not only for the protagonist but also the reader. The errors mentioned above make it slightly difficult going at first, as it is hard to find a real flow to the story, but perseverance is paid off in spades from the crux of the novel right through to the end. Intended as a sequel to Samson's novel `Nails', Bottle has proved a more than adequate read as a stand-alone text. Bottle is worthy of recommendation, particularly if the reader is looking for something different.
As the book progresses, so does the character of Kevin, who gradually overcomes his initial shock and undergoes some personal development, leading him to make a huge decision that could change his life. Through the medium of grief, Kevin learns more about himself in the short space of time encompassed by the novel than he has previously learnt in his whole life. However, rather than feeling rushed and unnatural, Samson gives Kevin's sudden transformation a realistic feel.
Sadly, there are a few elements that let `Bottle' down; simple grammatical errors, missed words and misspellings, which interrupt the flow of reading. One such example appears on page 92 of the paperback edition: "Drive passed them, Kurt," said Martin. Another example is on the very last page: `Now he would to throw it away'; and a further example can be found on page 86: `But she new the bus timetables by heart.' Throughout the novel, the sentence structures are very simplistic and whilst in some cases this proves an effective tool, the novel would have been an easier and more enjoyable read without the continual pauses necessitated by the end of a sentence.
Overall, Bottle proved to be a good read, presenting plenty of opportunity to consider the deeper meaning of life, not only for the protagonist but also the reader. The errors mentioned above make it slightly difficult going at first, as it is hard to find a real flow to the story, but perseverance is paid off in spades from the crux of the novel right through to the end. Intended as a sequel to Samson's novel `Nails', Bottle has proved a more than adequate read as a stand-alone text. Bottle is worthy of recommendation, particularly if the reader is looking for something different.
June 24, 2018
Have read before and I suspect there's going to be a new version soon, so am rereading to refresh my memory.
Having read 'Nails', I could hardly wait to read this sequel, though I agree that it could have stood alone. I did wonder about the title, thinking perhaps it referred to the British slang meaning: courage. I still think it possibly might, even though the actual reason is made obvious within the story, as well as the contents of the bottle!
I am not going to give away the entire plot in this review, as I feel that has been well enough done already. Suffice to say that this book deals with Kevin's shock, subsequent emotional turmoil and grief upon hearing of the death of a former lover. Anyone who has ever lost anyone can fully empathise with Kevin's state of mind as he tries to 'act normal' and put on a brave face to his friends and dismiss his unworthy relationships.
An extremely good read, once you get used to the constant switching from past to present. But that's what Kevin's mind was doing - and he takes you right there with him.
Having read 'Nails', I could hardly wait to read this sequel, though I agree that it could have stood alone. I did wonder about the title, thinking perhaps it referred to the British slang meaning: courage. I still think it possibly might, even though the actual reason is made obvious within the story, as well as the contents of the bottle!
I am not going to give away the entire plot in this review, as I feel that has been well enough done already. Suffice to say that this book deals with Kevin's shock, subsequent emotional turmoil and grief upon hearing of the death of a former lover. Anyone who has ever lost anyone can fully empathise with Kevin's state of mind as he tries to 'act normal' and put on a brave face to his friends and dismiss his unworthy relationships.
An extremely good read, once you get used to the constant switching from past to present. But that's what Kevin's mind was doing - and he takes you right there with him.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews