The Rock of Crack as Big as the Ritz

by Will Self

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 7, 1995

About the author

William Self is an English novelist, reviewer and columnist. He received his education at University College School, Christ's College Finchley, and Exeter College, Oxford. He was married to the late journalist Deborah Orr.

Self is known for his satirical, grotesque and fantastic novels and short stories set in seemingly parallel universes.

Reviews

[Moira]

....I freely admit, I want this based on the title alone.

[Rachel]

I liked both the short stories in this book. Rock of crack as big as the Fitzgerald was interesting as it addressed race and identity in London. Flytopia I preferred as it was a good story if you suspended reality. I think the story revealed his insanity but it could have been a scifi story depending on your interpretations.

[J Hanson]

I was pretty grossed out- which is definitely part of the purpose. I didn't see the point of the story, unless the point is crack is addictive.

[Martin Bainbridge]

I found 'The rock of crack as big as The Ritz' very evocative of the '90s. 'Flytopia' was a more timeless story with a very amusing typo joke (albeit less funny when cracked a second time).