Choose Life. Choose Leith: Trainspotting on Location

by Tim Bell

By examining the book, the play and the film, Choose Life. Choose Leith. both critically analyses the Trainspotting phenomenon in its various forms, and contextualises the importance of the location of Leith and the culture of 1980s Britain. Looking in detail at the history of Leith, the drug culture, the spread of HIV/AIDs, and how Trainspotting affected drug policy, Leith and the Scottish identity, the book highlights the importance of Trainspotting . Choose Life. Choose Leith. acts as a reference book, a record of the times and a background as to the history that led to the real-life situation and the publication of the book.

Genres: Nonfiction

236 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 3, 2018

Reviews

[Peter Taylor-Gooby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you ever wish things could have been different? “Choose Life, Choose Leith” is an enormously well-researched book that delves into the history and culture of Leith and Edinburgh to give real insight into how the world portrayed in Trainspotting came into existence and how it has contributed to modern Scottish identity and to drugs policy. The author has lived locally and been involved in the community of Leith for much of his adult life and writes with authority. This is a book to read and keep by you for reference.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

From a critical analysis of the book to a short discussion of the soundtrack of the film, there's enough in this book that should keep fans of the Trainspotting universe happy,

There's also a short social history of Leith and Edinburgh within the book, albeit through a very Trainspotting-esque prism. I found some of it interesting, despite growing up in and around that area, there were a few things I'd previously never heard before.

I do think fans of Welsh's books will get a lot more out of it though.

This is was an ARC from Netgalley and Luath in exchange for an honest review, With thanks.

[Emmi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author makes strange assumptions on Welsh's life and thoughts that seem to have no factual basis, which seems a strange thing to do. I also expected more history of Leith, less quotes from the book.

[caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

great analysis of the intersections between leith, edinburgh, the political environment of the 70’s/80’s/90’s, hibernian football club, herion and the different adaptation’s of irvine welsh’s trainspotting.


fuck thatcher on god