Classics Without All the Class discussion

Welcome to our September read of Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh. As with the last couple of months we don't have an appointed discussion leader, so it will have to be a community lead discussion again. If anyone would like to be a discussion leader for any of our books at anytime feel free to PM me and let me know! In the meantime please feel to post discussion topics in this forum if there is anything you want to discuss about the book. Enjoy!

I read Trainspotting 3 or 4 mos ago by chance, so I'm already "finished"!
A big challenge in reading this novel is following the copious Scottish-British slang dialog. However I actually found it fun to decipher, much like A Clockwork Orange. There was a glossary in the back of my copy that translated a lot of the words/expressions, though not all- be sure to look for that. Are you finding the slang frustrating?
The characters are also usually referred to by nicknames in the text, like "Rents" is the the character of the last name Renton, so you have to sort these out, as the Brits would say (he's the primary character, though he isn't in every part).
Do the drug-using characters seem to have a camaraderie/ unity? Can they rely on one another? I think that they do, but it only goes so far, and their priority is always on being able to obtain drugs.

I agree. I've started reading this book many times but the slang threw me off. I had that trouble with Morvern Callar. I had to have a Scottish friend tell me what certain things meant. I might gave to buddy up with someone to help with the heavy slang. I really want to finish this book.

I just bought the book, so I will start reading this week. I bought the original version instead of the translation (I'm Dutch) because I think the slang is an important (maybe the most important) part of the book. I wonder if it's harder or easier for me to read compared to people who's first language is English, because English or Scottish, either way, it's a foreign language for me.

Im about half way through. Found the slang difficult to begin with (and im English with Scotish - glaswegian roots) But im sorta used to it now. Just a few bits where i have to pause to translate! Mostly with Spud or Begbie.

I cant decide if i like it though...

Yeah, the slang is challenging but really it's what brings the book to life. It's a difficult book to rate because all of the characters are so flawed but it's a definite voyage going along for a ride in these character's lives!

I read Trainspotters some time ago. It was very challenging because of the slang and because I did not know much about the world of drug/heroin addicts, especially in Britain. It really broadened my world.

Yeah, I didn't remember that this was so hard to read.. I was thinking trying this in English but I'm happy to stay translated version, even this is so tiring to read. I thought I liked this book.

Good comment Sandra, I agree. What would A Clockwork Orange be without the weird slang? The little scenes are entertaining even if sometimes gross.

I just finished it and although the slang was difficult in the beginning of the book, I got used to it quickly. If you don't understand a sentence, just read it out loud :)