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Spurious Scrapper
Chrissy's parties never stop in the profitable confines of his locally renowned trap house. Fuelled by North Wales' lack of prosperity, his aimless cretin entourage are dragged along for a parasitic, rampant ride, rinsing the deprived town's insatiable addicts of their spare change.
When Sam, a naïve, straight-edged student moves in and jeopardizes this anarchic way of life, Chrissy stops at nothing to get him onside. Never did he envisage the tragic consequences...
Such short-term brazen gain has long tarnished Chrissy's local reputation; tight-knit communities sometimes forgive, but rarely forget. Aching to escape this pit-hole existence is great, but being allowed to execute change is a privilege only some get.
When Sam, a naïve, straight-edged student moves in and jeopardizes this anarchic way of life, Chrissy stops at nothing to get him onside. Never did he envisage the tragic consequences...
Such short-term brazen gain has long tarnished Chrissy's local reputation; tight-knit communities sometimes forgive, but rarely forget. Aching to escape this pit-hole existence is great, but being allowed to execute change is a privilege only some get.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2023
8 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
April 10, 2024
I read this book using the Kindle app on my tablet, and I was lucky to find it for free on Amazon, so I cannot deny it was a great deal.
This book is focused on the story of Chris, a drug dealer who has a lot on his plate and cannot avoid having his flat always full of weird people using and being wasted on it.
Before going further on the specifics, you must be advised of the multiple trigger warnings this book has before delving deep into it. If you don't enjoy reading about how the lowest of the low in society live their lives and use a variety of drugs, you should skip this book. Be also aware of the explicit vocabulary, which, to be honest, matches perfectly the intention of the book. However, if you are not a fan of the f-word, lot of cursing and bad words, skip this book since you are going to read it a lot.
In summary, this book is clearly not for everybody, but I found it a quick and original read, akin to reading passages from the movie "Trainspotting." I give kudos to the author for bravery in writing such a difficult and bold book that may find it challenging to attract an audience.
This book is focused on the story of Chris, a drug dealer who has a lot on his plate and cannot avoid having his flat always full of weird people using and being wasted on it.
Before going further on the specifics, you must be advised of the multiple trigger warnings this book has before delving deep into it. If you don't enjoy reading about how the lowest of the low in society live their lives and use a variety of drugs, you should skip this book. Be also aware of the explicit vocabulary, which, to be honest, matches perfectly the intention of the book. However, if you are not a fan of the f-word, lot of cursing and bad words, skip this book since you are going to read it a lot.
In summary, this book is clearly not for everybody, but I found it a quick and original read, akin to reading passages from the movie "Trainspotting." I give kudos to the author for bravery in writing such a difficult and bold book that may find it challenging to attract an audience.
February 2, 2023
This may shock some people reading this book but I didn’t shock me as much as it was reality for me. In my 20s I decided to go to university (ironically in Wales) and in my second year I lived with a cocaine addict. It was pure torture, I had no sleep and they actually managed to break our apartment door so that anyone could enter as well as making noise till 5 in the morning and trashing the kitchen as though a bomb had gone off
March 23, 2023
North Wales and Christopher “Chrissy” Bray, drug dealer to the like-minded locals has no qualms with his place being used as a twenty-four-hour, hard-core party house complete with bare-knuckle boxing in the kitchen. In fact, he thoroughly encourages it.
But, when events in the house take a sobering turn, for Chrissy at least, he tries to change, attending college and attracting a new set of friends. Thing is, Chrissy’s old pals have no intention of letting him move on, even if Chrissy thinks he can…
I read Veck’s first novel, One Visit, in January and wondered how Spurious Scrapper would measure up. Personally, Veck’s really honed his narrative skills with this outing. Spurious Scrapper shows natural, clear progression as a writer and his literary evolution pays hugely compelling dividends for the reader.
The novel is a complete rampage, although it operates on several levels which a reader can choose to engage with or not. Primarily, Veck has nailed the squalid degeneracy of Chrissy and Co., perfectly and their daily lives of sordid resourcefulness.
If a reader has any awareness of the world that Veck writes about in Spurious Scrapper, they will know it’s absolutely, and sadly, authentic without exaggeration or gratuity.
Candid and keenly observed, it’s deceptively nuanced down to clever, fine details that almost pass you by as you become so absorbed in this relentless catalogue of utter carnage.
The chaos is relayed in matter-of-fact tones, which, begins to normalize the absolutely no holds barred dissolute behavior for the reader as much as for the characters.
The pace is blistering throughout but always maintains focus. I found it laugh-out-loud funny in several places, there’s a sharp, knowing level of satire throughout the book, combined with weary cynicism, and some of the scrapes and exchanges are comedy gold.
However, underneath the guffawing at the limitless substance-fuelled antics of this debased bunch, there’s a serious sub-textual commentary and reflection on a community that has fallen too far down through the cracks in society to have any hope of redemption.
This serious undercurrent is explored through a couple of the cast but chiefly, Chrissy. Little nuggets here and there hint at his reasons for numbing himself and also providing a sesh pad for his “friends”.
These hints grow louder as the novel progresses. Chrissy’s issues take an introspectively dark turn and, consequently, the ending is especially bitter with the brutal futility and sheer waste of what, briefly, might have been.
Likewise, Sam, who rents a room in Chrissy’s. He is horribly pathetic as his vulnerabilities threaten to overwhelm him, and his weaknesses are exploited by others to tragi-comic effect.
His father, Thomas, is rendered with poignancy in his hopelessness. Chrissy’s mother, Sigrid, stepfather, Don, and Thomas’s wife, Shaz, are hardened, oblivious, and pretty derelict. Although, in common with several characters, all are brushed with vicious cunning and grasping self-preservation.
Although the mayhem still rages, there is a twist around halfway, and the tone of the novel shifts. This is due to a death, which is unexpected despite the majority of the cast guzzling their own body weight in drugs and alcohol.
For a short spell, I wondered if the narrative would falter, but the main plot of the novel takes quiet shape, and a nasty sense of inevitability kicks in, aided by the deeply unpleasant Connor. I also pondered whether Chrissy’s character arc at this stage was convincing but as flashes of backstory are revealed and the story hurtles towards its callous conclusion, he remains, unfortunately, all too credible.
Spurious Scrapper is a fast-moving and grimly hilarious novel that takes the reader into a wretched subterranean world that is as appalling as it is compelling. Highly recommended.
But, when events in the house take a sobering turn, for Chrissy at least, he tries to change, attending college and attracting a new set of friends. Thing is, Chrissy’s old pals have no intention of letting him move on, even if Chrissy thinks he can…
I read Veck’s first novel, One Visit, in January and wondered how Spurious Scrapper would measure up. Personally, Veck’s really honed his narrative skills with this outing. Spurious Scrapper shows natural, clear progression as a writer and his literary evolution pays hugely compelling dividends for the reader.
The novel is a complete rampage, although it operates on several levels which a reader can choose to engage with or not. Primarily, Veck has nailed the squalid degeneracy of Chrissy and Co., perfectly and their daily lives of sordid resourcefulness.
If a reader has any awareness of the world that Veck writes about in Spurious Scrapper, they will know it’s absolutely, and sadly, authentic without exaggeration or gratuity.
Candid and keenly observed, it’s deceptively nuanced down to clever, fine details that almost pass you by as you become so absorbed in this relentless catalogue of utter carnage.
The chaos is relayed in matter-of-fact tones, which, begins to normalize the absolutely no holds barred dissolute behavior for the reader as much as for the characters.
The pace is blistering throughout but always maintains focus. I found it laugh-out-loud funny in several places, there’s a sharp, knowing level of satire throughout the book, combined with weary cynicism, and some of the scrapes and exchanges are comedy gold.
However, underneath the guffawing at the limitless substance-fuelled antics of this debased bunch, there’s a serious sub-textual commentary and reflection on a community that has fallen too far down through the cracks in society to have any hope of redemption.
This serious undercurrent is explored through a couple of the cast but chiefly, Chrissy. Little nuggets here and there hint at his reasons for numbing himself and also providing a sesh pad for his “friends”.
These hints grow louder as the novel progresses. Chrissy’s issues take an introspectively dark turn and, consequently, the ending is especially bitter with the brutal futility and sheer waste of what, briefly, might have been.
Likewise, Sam, who rents a room in Chrissy’s. He is horribly pathetic as his vulnerabilities threaten to overwhelm him, and his weaknesses are exploited by others to tragi-comic effect.
His father, Thomas, is rendered with poignancy in his hopelessness. Chrissy’s mother, Sigrid, stepfather, Don, and Thomas’s wife, Shaz, are hardened, oblivious, and pretty derelict. Although, in common with several characters, all are brushed with vicious cunning and grasping self-preservation.
Although the mayhem still rages, there is a twist around halfway, and the tone of the novel shifts. This is due to a death, which is unexpected despite the majority of the cast guzzling their own body weight in drugs and alcohol.
For a short spell, I wondered if the narrative would falter, but the main plot of the novel takes quiet shape, and a nasty sense of inevitability kicks in, aided by the deeply unpleasant Connor. I also pondered whether Chrissy’s character arc at this stage was convincing but as flashes of backstory are revealed and the story hurtles towards its callous conclusion, he remains, unfortunately, all too credible.
Spurious Scrapper is a fast-moving and grimly hilarious novel that takes the reader into a wretched subterranean world that is as appalling as it is compelling. Highly recommended.
February 20, 2023
Book: Spurious Scrapper
Author: George Veck
Recommend: Yes
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
Plot:
A young lad, trying to make it though Uni and life while living in life emerged into drugs.
Chrissy life is crazy, dealing drugs, and living in a dodgy apartment where he frequently has people over getting high and having fights in his kitchen.
My feelings:
I was given a copy of this book from the Author. This is the second book I’ve reviewed for this author. And I have to say he knows how to write the drug scene well. He captured the real life behind the scenes, I felt like I was reading my own Bio. He captured it all so well. So well in fact you would think he lived this life himself.
The main MC Chrissy is your typical Drug dealer/user. One with no moral code or self worth. Its interesting to see how he progresses though the book and how life seems to get in his way but also work in his favour.
The author knows his way around drugs and what is mixed with what. Im actually shocked with his knowledge on some of drug, makes me think he knows how to research or as I said lived this life himself. Also managing to capture the different ways drugs effect people individually.
Very well written book. The language was great in this one, Super easy to understand and the use of slang was done correctly. Very impressed.
Highly recommend. It would also be great for the younger generation to read to understand what drugs do in the long run to people and why they should avoid them.
Author: George Veck
Recommend: Yes
Age recommendation: 18-30+ Years
Plot:
A young lad, trying to make it though Uni and life while living in life emerged into drugs.
Chrissy life is crazy, dealing drugs, and living in a dodgy apartment where he frequently has people over getting high and having fights in his kitchen.
My feelings:
I was given a copy of this book from the Author. This is the second book I’ve reviewed for this author. And I have to say he knows how to write the drug scene well. He captured the real life behind the scenes, I felt like I was reading my own Bio. He captured it all so well. So well in fact you would think he lived this life himself.
The main MC Chrissy is your typical Drug dealer/user. One with no moral code or self worth. Its interesting to see how he progresses though the book and how life seems to get in his way but also work in his favour.
The author knows his way around drugs and what is mixed with what. Im actually shocked with his knowledge on some of drug, makes me think he knows how to research or as I said lived this life himself. Also managing to capture the different ways drugs effect people individually.
Very well written book. The language was great in this one, Super easy to understand and the use of slang was done correctly. Very impressed.
Highly recommend. It would also be great for the younger generation to read to understand what drugs do in the long run to people and why they should avoid them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2023
1.75/t stars! This is my second book by author George Veck and I was struck by the same thoughts I had with the first read. This author presents information in a way that feels like a stream of consciousness. It pulls the reader into the depths of the character's mind, which is an interesting angle. In the end, I was left feeling that this is a book for 'intellectuals' and that I just wasn't smart enough to 'get it.'
April 5, 2023
I looked the realness of this story. We watch Chrissy as he changes throughout the story. The details of his day to day life feel like this is exactly how it would be in the real world. This is a work of fiction but the way it is written it’s like the author wrote about a real person. There was nothing about this story that had the reader thinking “there is no way that would happen”. Not many books have this level realness feeling to them.
March 3, 2023
Gritty & Dark
This is not for the faint of heart and this does not have a happily ever after ending so don't expect it. What this is is a dark & gritty but good story with a real life ending.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is not for the faint of heart and this does not have a happily ever after ending so don't expect it. What this is is a dark & gritty but good story with a real life ending.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
November 3, 2023
"Spurious Scrapper" by George Veck is an unapologetically raw and immersive journey into the depths of chaos and anarchy. Veck's storytelling prowess shines through this gritty and intense narrative that explores a world far removed from the ordinary.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Chrissy Bray, an enigmatic and utterly self-absorbed character who navigates life on the fringes of society. His relentless pursuit of a lawless utopia within the confines of his notorious North Wales residence is both fascinating and repelling. Veck's portrayal of Chrissy is unflinching, offering readers a deep dive into the psyche of a character who thrives on chaos and excess.
The novel thrives on the dynamics of a motley crew of aimless individuals who orbit around Chrissy. Their parasitic existence, fueled by rampant drug profiteering, is a stark reflection of a community plagued by deprivation and addiction. Veck's depiction of this grim reality is unapologetic and jarring.
The introduction of Sam, a seemingly naive game design student, adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Sam's presence disrupts the anarchic way of life Chrissy and his crew have carefully cultivated, and this disruption serves as a catalyst for a series of events that force Chrissy to confront the consequences of his actions.
George Veck's writing is gritty and authentic, pulling no punches when it comes to depicting the dark underbelly of society. "Spurious Scrapper" is a novel that will both fascinate and disturb, and it's this ability to evoke a visceral response that makes it a standout work of fiction.
This is not a story for the faint of heart, but for readers who appreciate narratives that challenge the boundaries of convention and delve into the lives of characters on society's fringes, "Spurious Scrapper" is a must-read. Veck's storytelling is both powerful and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on those who dare to venture into the tumultuous world he has created. "Spurious Scrapper" is a tour de force of raw and unfiltered storytelling that demands to be experienced.
At the heart of this gripping tale is Chrissy Bray, an enigmatic and utterly self-absorbed character who navigates life on the fringes of society. His relentless pursuit of a lawless utopia within the confines of his notorious North Wales residence is both fascinating and repelling. Veck's portrayal of Chrissy is unflinching, offering readers a deep dive into the psyche of a character who thrives on chaos and excess.
The novel thrives on the dynamics of a motley crew of aimless individuals who orbit around Chrissy. Their parasitic existence, fueled by rampant drug profiteering, is a stark reflection of a community plagued by deprivation and addiction. Veck's depiction of this grim reality is unapologetic and jarring.
The introduction of Sam, a seemingly naive game design student, adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Sam's presence disrupts the anarchic way of life Chrissy and his crew have carefully cultivated, and this disruption serves as a catalyst for a series of events that force Chrissy to confront the consequences of his actions.
George Veck's writing is gritty and authentic, pulling no punches when it comes to depicting the dark underbelly of society. "Spurious Scrapper" is a novel that will both fascinate and disturb, and it's this ability to evoke a visceral response that makes it a standout work of fiction.
This is not a story for the faint of heart, but for readers who appreciate narratives that challenge the boundaries of convention and delve into the lives of characters on society's fringes, "Spurious Scrapper" is a must-read. Veck's storytelling is both powerful and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on those who dare to venture into the tumultuous world he has created. "Spurious Scrapper" is a tour de force of raw and unfiltered storytelling that demands to be experienced.
September 1, 2024
And welcome to another book set around Bangor, Gwynedd, in North Wales. Once again we have lots of drink and drug taking, including cocaine,weed, ketamine, MXE (Methoxetamine) and Valium. Spurious Scrapper is very similar to One Visit, the previous book from George Veck. None of the characters are carried over but the demographics are the same.
Sadly Spurious Scrapper is another short book running to only 130 pages. Although this story is set in North Wales, with the odd Welsh word sprinkled within the pages, the tone of this book is very British. All your familiar brands and household names are included like Asda, Deliveroo and Morrisons.
The houses where the characters live are very rough indeed. This is not a glamorous story, it is dirty, scruffy and right at the bottom of the housing/rental market - slums. The author is very descriptive with his story with lots of measurements given with imperial or metric units. He paints a full picture of the scene that is very easy to visualise, for example, a scruffy, stumpy, guy wearing worn-out, decades-old, low-level chav clothing. And ”Aldi skint lad special, four pizzas, three bar,” Or Slouched back in his recently acquired, tatty green armchair, in his favourite Calvin Klein pyjamas and munching a bowl of Morrisons Finest granola.
Like his last novel One Visit, I do not think Spurious Scrapper is a thriller, more of an expose` really about how some people live their lives. Reminds me of the British television series called Shameless, which ran from 2004 to 2013. I found this book very sad and an OKAY 3 star read.
However, Spurious Scrapper does have a hell of a surprise ending!
Sadly Spurious Scrapper is another short book running to only 130 pages. Although this story is set in North Wales, with the odd Welsh word sprinkled within the pages, the tone of this book is very British. All your familiar brands and household names are included like Asda, Deliveroo and Morrisons.
The houses where the characters live are very rough indeed. This is not a glamorous story, it is dirty, scruffy and right at the bottom of the housing/rental market - slums. The author is very descriptive with his story with lots of measurements given with imperial or metric units. He paints a full picture of the scene that is very easy to visualise, for example, a scruffy, stumpy, guy wearing worn-out, decades-old, low-level chav clothing. And ”Aldi skint lad special, four pizzas, three bar,” Or Slouched back in his recently acquired, tatty green armchair, in his favourite Calvin Klein pyjamas and munching a bowl of Morrisons Finest granola.
Like his last novel One Visit, I do not think Spurious Scrapper is a thriller, more of an expose` really about how some people live their lives. Reminds me of the British television series called Shameless, which ran from 2004 to 2013. I found this book very sad and an OKAY 3 star read.
However, Spurious Scrapper does have a hell of a surprise ending!
September 18, 2024
The Review
This is a truly gritty, haunting, and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story of chaos and drama, delving into a dark and realistic depiction of what addiction and life in a university can be like. The imagery in the author’s writing style brings this lifestyle to the forefront, delving into the shocking realizations and raw language that readers often find themselves confronting in these characters.
The author managed to achieve both dark humor and harrowing life experiences within one narrative. The overwhelming feeling of intensity and the raw look into drug culture, not only in general but in particular in a university setting, allowed the reader to see through the eyes of these realistic characters. The added depth of a revenge story and the consequences others must pay for one’s mistakes made the reader feel the shock and awe this particular story brought.
The Verdict
Author George Veck’s “Spurious Scrapper” is a must-read vigilante justice meets crime thriller and drama novel that is shocking, honest, and gripping. The thought-provoking look into the mindset of characters like Chrissy and the evolution, or at times devolution, of these individuals allows the reader to get a firmer idea of what tragedy is waiting those who are sadly immersed in the underbelly of the drug world. The haunting ending will stay with readers long after it ends.
This is a truly gritty, haunting, and engaging read. The author expertly weaves together a story of chaos and drama, delving into a dark and realistic depiction of what addiction and life in a university can be like. The imagery in the author’s writing style brings this lifestyle to the forefront, delving into the shocking realizations and raw language that readers often find themselves confronting in these characters.
The author managed to achieve both dark humor and harrowing life experiences within one narrative. The overwhelming feeling of intensity and the raw look into drug culture, not only in general but in particular in a university setting, allowed the reader to see through the eyes of these realistic characters. The added depth of a revenge story and the consequences others must pay for one’s mistakes made the reader feel the shock and awe this particular story brought.
The Verdict
Author George Veck’s “Spurious Scrapper” is a must-read vigilante justice meets crime thriller and drama novel that is shocking, honest, and gripping. The thought-provoking look into the mindset of characters like Chrissy and the evolution, or at times devolution, of these individuals allows the reader to get a firmer idea of what tragedy is waiting those who are sadly immersed in the underbelly of the drug world. The haunting ending will stay with readers long after it ends.
May 17, 2023
TW: drug and alcohol use, death by overdose, homophobia, violence and harassment, swearing and vulgar language, sex, mention of mental health (particularly OCD and depression), self-harm, talk of sexual assault and abuse, torture
As this was the second book of Veck's I have read, I knew not to expect a cosy crime/ mystery book. This book had the same qualities as the last book, 'One Visit' , which were the glossary in the back describing the slang words and welsh translations and the accuracy of dialogue and descriptions. I did find myself a lot more confused about this book, particularly when the boys were using tactics against Chrissy, I found that there wasn't a lot of information as to why, but the end of the book did explain it quite well. I also found keeping up with these characters was a lot harder to me than the last book, as there was a lot more to keep track of in my opinion, which also didn't allow me to connect with the characters as well. I did like the emotion that this book gave me, there were a lot of ups and downs keeping me reading, particularly on Chrissy's life path,(I really wanted things to go well for him). I did find that this ending was a lot more easily predictable, perhaps because I had gotten used to Veck's style, but there was also aspects that I didn't predict and a few lessons throughout.
As this was the second book of Veck's I have read, I knew not to expect a cosy crime/ mystery book. This book had the same qualities as the last book, 'One Visit' , which were the glossary in the back describing the slang words and welsh translations and the accuracy of dialogue and descriptions. I did find myself a lot more confused about this book, particularly when the boys were using tactics against Chrissy, I found that there wasn't a lot of information as to why, but the end of the book did explain it quite well. I also found keeping up with these characters was a lot harder to me than the last book, as there was a lot more to keep track of in my opinion, which also didn't allow me to connect with the characters as well. I did like the emotion that this book gave me, there were a lot of ups and downs keeping me reading, particularly on Chrissy's life path,(I really wanted things to go well for him). I did find that this ending was a lot more easily predictable, perhaps because I had gotten used to Veck's style, but there was also aspects that I didn't predict and a few lessons throughout.
October 10, 2023
Spurious Scraper is the second book by George that I’ve read, the first being One Visit, which I ended up enjoying very much. This one follows a similar sort of story where the protagonist gets drawn into the life of drugs.
Since the first book, you can see great development in the writing, and I think that is one of the reasons I found it much easier to follow. It flows much better. I know very little about drugs and how they can affect people’s lives, but I thought the drug scenes were well-written, and I thought George captured and represented real-life situations well.
There are some dark moments in the book, but there are also some funny moments that will have you chuckling along.
As for the characters, although not all of them are likeable, they are well done. They feel realistic and you can’t help feel for them, especially the main protagonist.
This is another one of those books you need to go into knowing very little about.
This may not be a book for everyone, but I thought it was a great, thought-provoking read.
On a side note, if you’re interested in picking this book up, please don’t forget to check out some of the trigger warnings before doing so.
Trigger Warning: Drug Abuse, Drug Dealing, Homophobia, Alcohol Use, Violence, Swearing.
Since the first book, you can see great development in the writing, and I think that is one of the reasons I found it much easier to follow. It flows much better. I know very little about drugs and how they can affect people’s lives, but I thought the drug scenes were well-written, and I thought George captured and represented real-life situations well.
There are some dark moments in the book, but there are also some funny moments that will have you chuckling along.
As for the characters, although not all of them are likeable, they are well done. They feel realistic and you can’t help feel for them, especially the main protagonist.
This is another one of those books you need to go into knowing very little about.
This may not be a book for everyone, but I thought it was a great, thought-provoking read.
On a side note, if you’re interested in picking this book up, please don’t forget to check out some of the trigger warnings before doing so.
Trigger Warning: Drug Abuse, Drug Dealing, Homophobia, Alcohol Use, Violence, Swearing.
April 4, 2024
Sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll. But mostly drugs.
After reading the book, One Visit, I was curious to find out if this story would hold my interest a little more effectively than that one did. Unfortunately, it did not. I do, however respect the writing style of the author and find it to be quite intelligent. In my opinion, the story focuses too heavily on the drug culture and not enough on plot and storyline. For example, I wanted to be more invested in Chrissy’s pursuit of education and getting out of the drug culture, but instead, I was only left feeling disappointed. I suppose that is the point of the story. I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and like One Visit, some of the male voices for the dialogue scenes, got a little too echoey at times and the volume wasn’t consistent. All in all, just because I didn’t find this story interesting, doesn’t mean there isn’t an audience for it. For example, George Veck stories remind me of the movie Trainspotting. I didn’t enjoy that story either, but it gets an impressive 8.1/10 on IMDB with 724 thousand votes, so what do I know? Art is subjective, that’s all, I guess. This book is a good fit for those who are interested in gritty British crime dramas.
After reading the book, One Visit, I was curious to find out if this story would hold my interest a little more effectively than that one did. Unfortunately, it did not. I do, however respect the writing style of the author and find it to be quite intelligent. In my opinion, the story focuses too heavily on the drug culture and not enough on plot and storyline. For example, I wanted to be more invested in Chrissy’s pursuit of education and getting out of the drug culture, but instead, I was only left feeling disappointed. I suppose that is the point of the story. I listened to the audiobook version of this story, and like One Visit, some of the male voices for the dialogue scenes, got a little too echoey at times and the volume wasn’t consistent. All in all, just because I didn’t find this story interesting, doesn’t mean there isn’t an audience for it. For example, George Veck stories remind me of the movie Trainspotting. I didn’t enjoy that story either, but it gets an impressive 8.1/10 on IMDB with 724 thousand votes, so what do I know? Art is subjective, that’s all, I guess. This book is a good fit for those who are interested in gritty British crime dramas.
May 16, 2024
I really liked the storyline of this book. I wanted to know what happened to the character Chrissy, and that kept me turning pages. I also like the characters in this book. They would have all fit right in on the show “Shameless.” They are all very flawed. In fact, they seem more flawed than good. I like characters like this. It’s fun to see if they’ll come around at all. I loved the interactions between the characters. It was all very ruthless. They’re the type of characters where its hard to find a hero amongst the villains. The ending was pretty solid and realistic, I thought.
This book could have been much better if not for a few major flaws. One of the biggest was the perspective jumping. One minute, you’re reading a long with the perspective of a character and then you’re suddenly in the perspective of another. Then you thrust into the perspective of an omnipresent narrator. This made it hard to keep track of the characters. It was hard to know who to care about because there were too many perspectives to become immersed in. At times, I was totally lost because of this. Overall, I’d have to say this is a good story, but not told well. I wouldn’t recommend it like it is, but I definitely see this author as having a lot of potential.
This book could have been much better if not for a few major flaws. One of the biggest was the perspective jumping. One minute, you’re reading a long with the perspective of a character and then you’re suddenly in the perspective of another. Then you thrust into the perspective of an omnipresent narrator. This made it hard to keep track of the characters. It was hard to know who to care about because there were too many perspectives to become immersed in. At times, I was totally lost because of this. Overall, I’d have to say this is a good story, but not told well. I wouldn’t recommend it like it is, but I definitely see this author as having a lot of potential.
April 14, 2024
This is the first book I have read from this author and I must say it was quite a great, dark, intense read, great for those that like insights on what the drug dealing life is like and a crude look into life.
The story is about protagonist and drug dealer Chrissy bray who is a dealing with a drug addiction and having a hard life such as when people come over to his place and have fights in his kitchen.
What I liked the most about this story how immersive the emotional touch of the story was and was shocked to know how much information on what taking drugs is like.
There is a lot of swearing in this book, particularly with the f words but if you're okay with that then this will be a good book for you to read.
This was a good, gritty, realistic read and I would like to read more from the author.
The story is about protagonist and drug dealer Chrissy bray who is a dealing with a drug addiction and having a hard life such as when people come over to his place and have fights in his kitchen.
What I liked the most about this story how immersive the emotional touch of the story was and was shocked to know how much information on what taking drugs is like.
There is a lot of swearing in this book, particularly with the f words but if you're okay with that then this will be a good book for you to read.
This was a good, gritty, realistic read and I would like to read more from the author.
April 20, 2024
In Spurious Crappy, by George Veck, readers get an inside look at the chaotic life of a drug dealer and the lives of those around him. Due to the chaotic life of the protagonist, I had a hard time settling into Chrissy’s perspective but since he is representative of someone who lives this kind of life, I stayed with it. Chrissy lives in a “gnarly, collective booze and cocaine culture in which characters wheel and deal for booze and drugs without much regard for the consequence of their actions. The reader witnesses characters buy and sell drugs, buy off complainants with drugs, get demoted and take and suffer violent actions. If you are looking for character improvement, this is not the book for you. But if you want to catch a glimpse into the chaotic life of a drug dealer and his household economy and relationships, this is your read.
April 3, 2023
What a read!
Genuinely very different to my usual fare this book based around North Wales drug culture was an eye opener,it was at times hard going as it was so realistic but that’s because the author did the job well,I actually grew to like a couple of the characters and was kinda upset at the untimely demise of one of them
The descriptions of squalor in the various places of living in the story conjure up images I have never had from reading a book and the desperation of the lives,however willing they seem to embrace what they do was unsettling
A really eye opening read that shows the authors skill and writing prowess and a book I certainly wont be forgetting
9/10
5 Stars
Genuinely very different to my usual fare this book based around North Wales drug culture was an eye opener,it was at times hard going as it was so realistic but that’s because the author did the job well,I actually grew to like a couple of the characters and was kinda upset at the untimely demise of one of them
The descriptions of squalor in the various places of living in the story conjure up images I have never had from reading a book and the desperation of the lives,however willing they seem to embrace what they do was unsettling
A really eye opening read that shows the authors skill and writing prowess and a book I certainly wont be forgetting
9/10
5 Stars
March 3, 2023
I read 1.5 of the 6 chapters.
I just couldn't make myself continue
I just couldn't make myself continue
January 9, 2024
Worth a read.
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