Punk Fiction: An Anthology of Short Stories Inspired by Punk

by Janine Bullman (editor), Johnny Marr (contributor), Nicholas Hogg

The legacy of punk rock is not merely musical but in fact can be found in an astounding variety of cultural media, including literature. From a cast of authors at the forefront of contemporary popular culture who have been—and continue to be—influenced by punk music, each tale in this dazzling collection of short stories has been inspired by a punk song. With contributors ranging from Kele Okereke of Bloc Party to Billy Bragg and Lydia Lunch, this is a fantastic and fascinating look at the dramatic impact punk rock has made on today’s artists, musicians, and authors.

Genres: Music, Short Stories, Fiction, Contemporary, Punk, Anthologies

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2009

Reviews

[Bridget]

Some slays some flops I’ll update when I make a playlist

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Christmas present from my daughter, mislaid until now.

There's some excruciatingly bad stuff here, but most of it has a zing and a rightful unorthodoxy. These are stories told in hindsight, and sometimes not stories, simple reminiscence (eg Billy Bragg recalling a Rock against racism concert featuring The Clash). Several are about being beaten up for being a punk (viewed at the time with horror and tabloid invective), including one in which the protagonist is thrown off a train. Others are sideways on to great punk moments - like the Howard Devoto/Pete Shelly arranging the Sex Pistols concert in Manchester, which comes up in several stories - a girlfriend or flat sharer tells a fictionalised account. Although there are nay sayers here too: a great one about a guy who misses all the relevant concerts etc, and just doesn't get it; another imagines a world where punk anarchy has succeeded in bringing everything to a halt, all statues smashed, nothing but negative energy: a violent, boring world.

I was too old to be a punk (I thought) - being around 21 when it all started (1976/77), I was a hippy and listened to Floyd and Bowie, but was also getting interested in soul and reggae - but within a year I had cut my hair and started wearing straight jeans after 6 years of flares. I loved the energy and directness and attitude of this new movement and went to see Siouxsie and the Banshees. So many great songs, Anarchy in the UK, Ever Fallen in Love with someone You Shouldn't Have fallen in Love with, Another Girl, Another Planet. Etc. The format of the book is based around songs, each writer chose a song and wrote. I did wonder what if two or more writers wanted the same song? Was there a hierarchy?

Anyway although not true of all the book, on the whole this is an invigorating and refreshing read.

[Lane Ashfeldt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just to say, the rating is for my average rating for the stories by other authors - I have a story in here too! Like with most anthologies this book contains some I love, and others that I am less keen on. But overall I liked a pretty high percentage of what I read here, and the book itself (a hardback) has been very well made. Author royalties are going to charity.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the stories are quite good, some of them not so much... but overall it was a pleasant read!

[Itch Iseatingnandos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whizzed through it in a day so I must have enjoyed it

[Emrys Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The stories themselves are hit or miss, but I love the concept!

[Stephanie Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this interesting unique book. It is a compilation of various fiction stories set in and around the Punk scene. Each story is different and presents you with a different view of the scene through a lens far different than the story that came before it. My favorite story on here had to be the Lane Ashfeldt's California Über Alles. The narrator tells a tale of a man living in poverty, surrounded by the punk scene and his livelihood revolves around a disused, stale bar of chocolate on the floor of a German chocolate factory. Anybody who has had any experience with the Punk scene or even one who is simply intrigued by it's eccentricity, you will all enjoy this book.

[Jenny T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book at Idlewild Books in the England section. This book contains a variety of short stories, named for various songs, reflecting the "punk" spirit. Some knowledge of English slang helps while you read, as well as the right music (The Jam, Buzzcocks, Clash, etc).

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

(didn't know punks could write) punk is unfortunately dead but it had it's time. The essence and empowerment - a Diy ethic that has become a rarity. I've seen them all from a person.

[Petra Schuller · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad, did read it tho at once.
collection of short stories and impressive how people live

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Over my head.