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Scream If You Want to Go Faster
red paperback with black spine
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2011
4 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Russ Litten
8 books10 followersRuss Litten was born at the end of the 60's, grew up in the 70's and left school in the 80's. He spent the subsequent decades in a bewildering variety of jobs before becoming a freelance writer at the turn of the century. After writing drama for television, radio and film, he finished his first novel, SCREAM IF YOU WANT TO GO FASTER. He lives with his family in Kingston Upon Hull..
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 17, 2012
I found this novel hard going at first. A lot of characters and scenarios came racing at me thick and fast. The structure is unusual too, with small snippets, mini chapters if you will, headed by a time and location.
However, once I’d settled into it and gotten used to the style I started to enjoy the book. Piece by piece Litten builds up the story and it seems every new page added another piece to the jigsaw.
The author's observations were spot on. He brings humour, pithy observation about life and a very diverse range of characters. The novel is set in Hull and written in the local dialogue. For those outside of Hull this won't spoil your enjoyment even if it does take you a little while to get used to it. The events in the book take place during the annual Hull fair week when a huge travelling fair comes to the city every October. This is a major event in the local calendar and everyone in the city feels they have to visit the fair at least once. Litten uses this local sense of excitement and anticipation to great effect within the story.
Litten scores points not only for his excellent characterisation but also for his talent for creating just the right atmosphere. His descriptive writing is also top notch. I started this novel feeling a little bemused and finished it having enjoyed it thoroughly and admiring the talents of Russ Litten. A must read for most folk. A mandatory read for the folk of 'Ull! Russ Litten could well be Hull’s answer to Irvine Welsh.
However, once I’d settled into it and gotten used to the style I started to enjoy the book. Piece by piece Litten builds up the story and it seems every new page added another piece to the jigsaw.
The author's observations were spot on. He brings humour, pithy observation about life and a very diverse range of characters. The novel is set in Hull and written in the local dialogue. For those outside of Hull this won't spoil your enjoyment even if it does take you a little while to get used to it. The events in the book take place during the annual Hull fair week when a huge travelling fair comes to the city every October. This is a major event in the local calendar and everyone in the city feels they have to visit the fair at least once. Litten uses this local sense of excitement and anticipation to great effect within the story.
Litten scores points not only for his excellent characterisation but also for his talent for creating just the right atmosphere. His descriptive writing is also top notch. I started this novel feeling a little bemused and finished it having enjoyed it thoroughly and admiring the talents of Russ Litten. A must read for most folk. A mandatory read for the folk of 'Ull! Russ Litten could well be Hull’s answer to Irvine Welsh.
July 24, 2016
This enjoyable debut novel is a snapshot of working class life in Hull in October 2007: well written, authentic, and frequently dramatic, however ultimately it doesn't quite realise its potential.
I was expecting the different, disparate plot strands, all each interesting and compelling, to intersect more, and to reach a coherent and satisfying end. Most of the narratives just pause, with no real denouement, which made for a disappointing, frustrating and ultimately underwhelming conclusion.
3/5
I was expecting the different, disparate plot strands, all each interesting and compelling, to intersect more, and to reach a coherent and satisfying end. Most of the narratives just pause, with no real denouement, which made for a disappointing, frustrating and ultimately underwhelming conclusion.
3/5
February 27, 2013
Very enjoyable.
A whole cat of characters that lives were connected in some way, set over a few days.
Hull fair parts a nice backdrops to the events around the city....some good little plot twists.....the last few chapters weren't quite as good, veering into violence too much, but nothing to graphic, or indeed enough to detract from story.
A whole cat of characters that lives were connected in some way, set over a few days.
Hull fair parts a nice backdrops to the events around the city....some good little plot twists.....the last few chapters weren't quite as good, veering into violence too much, but nothing to graphic, or indeed enough to detract from story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2012
dark and gritty novel based in the aftermath of the floods of hull in 2007 and interlinked are the stories of 10 people over a weekend visiting hull fair expressing their fears,dreams and a look at modern live with all its ups and downs
February 18, 2012
Normal seeming people either lose it or never had it over the course of a weekend centred round the Hull Fair. I loved this book and think Hull Noir should be a new genre!
April 9, 2021
I've got to say that this wasn't my cup of tea. I wasn't a big fan of the bullet pointed dialogue and lack of speech marks. The story line was alright but was confusing trying to remember all the different characters.
The storylines about Rose and Michelle were my fave just because it was a bit of a mystery behind them.
I didn't want to be too harsh so given it a 2. By the end I was skimming the text just t finish it quicker....
The storylines about Rose and Michelle were my fave just because it was a bit of a mystery behind them.
I didn't want to be too harsh so given it a 2. By the end I was skimming the text just t finish it quicker....
December 8, 2019
This isn’t a cheery read, but gritty and true to life. I loved the East Yorkshire accents and dialects and really liked some of the characters, like Yorkshire Rose. Also really enjoyed the way it was written from each character’s individual viewpoint and how some of their experiences overlapped. Something different.
July 7, 2019
Very good read. Don't read it if you don't like swearing.
August 20, 2015
Confession: I am from Hull. Anyone who has heard anything about Hull (for those not in the UK, Hull has on more then one occasion – undeservedly so IMHO – featured in the book ‘Crap Towns’ which should give you an idea of the esteem most British people hold Hull in) will probably have certain unflattering opinions about Hull. If they’ve even heard of it that is.
But one reason people DO flock to Hull each year is the ‘World Famous Hull Fair’ which for one week (and a day) provides fun and adventure to people of all ages. Providing your wallet is brimming of course. It is this that provides the backdrop to Russ Litten’s novel ‘Scream if you want to go Faster’, a bleak and often tragic snapshot of the criss-crossing lives of some of Hull’s residents. As someone from Hull it’s always gratifying to read about streets I walk down and pubs I go in which is probably why I decided to read it. That and Russ Litten came and spoke at my workplace recently leaving me feeling a bit ashamed I hadn’t read it already (N.B. if you ever have chance to hear him speak, do it! Inspiring and funny, he will remind you of the joy of reading and writing).
So first off, if you’re looking for a pleasant and cheerful read I wouldn’t go for this. Do not misunderstand me though, that doesn’t mean to say that it isn’t enjoyable. I loved every word of it. However, it is unlikely to lift your spirits. It’s not an easy read either, the sheer volume of characters is at first difficult to get your head round and as some of them become intertwined you may find yourself going back to check out names. It is not written in traditional chapters either with each section being a tiny POV snippet headed by location and time. If you’re used to speech marks as well, forget it. You do quickly get in to the flow of it though and you become excited to read the next part of the individual stories and the consequences of the characters’ actions which all point to some impending disaster.
It is also written in the Hull dialect which some may find a challenge. Personally, that was my favourite part. Hearing phrases I hadn’t used for years at times had me laughing out loud and gave me that little feeling of warmth you get when there’s a burst of nostalgia.
But this is essentially a book about the people of Hull, the ‘normal’ folk trying to cope with their day to day lives often in very difficult situations which is captured beautifully by Litten where it could easily have fallen into caricature. I look forward to reading more from him!
But one reason people DO flock to Hull each year is the ‘World Famous Hull Fair’ which for one week (and a day) provides fun and adventure to people of all ages. Providing your wallet is brimming of course. It is this that provides the backdrop to Russ Litten’s novel ‘Scream if you want to go Faster’, a bleak and often tragic snapshot of the criss-crossing lives of some of Hull’s residents. As someone from Hull it’s always gratifying to read about streets I walk down and pubs I go in which is probably why I decided to read it. That and Russ Litten came and spoke at my workplace recently leaving me feeling a bit ashamed I hadn’t read it already (N.B. if you ever have chance to hear him speak, do it! Inspiring and funny, he will remind you of the joy of reading and writing).
So first off, if you’re looking for a pleasant and cheerful read I wouldn’t go for this. Do not misunderstand me though, that doesn’t mean to say that it isn’t enjoyable. I loved every word of it. However, it is unlikely to lift your spirits. It’s not an easy read either, the sheer volume of characters is at first difficult to get your head round and as some of them become intertwined you may find yourself going back to check out names. It is not written in traditional chapters either with each section being a tiny POV snippet headed by location and time. If you’re used to speech marks as well, forget it. You do quickly get in to the flow of it though and you become excited to read the next part of the individual stories and the consequences of the characters’ actions which all point to some impending disaster.
It is also written in the Hull dialect which some may find a challenge. Personally, that was my favourite part. Hearing phrases I hadn’t used for years at times had me laughing out loud and gave me that little feeling of warmth you get when there’s a burst of nostalgia.
But this is essentially a book about the people of Hull, the ‘normal’ folk trying to cope with their day to day lives often in very difficult situations which is captured beautifully by Litten where it could easily have fallen into caricature. I look forward to reading more from him!
November 18, 2013
I read Scream If You Want To Go Faster for two reasons, firstly I was born and grew up in Hull, and secondly, because I had read a few reviews that talked about interesting and complicated POV.
I enjoyed it as I did not know where the differing threads would end up. I also thought the omniscient third person narrator, that came across as almost a first person Hullensian was quite clever, in fact that was the best bit of the book for me.
If I have a criticism it would be all the characters depicted Hull in a grim light. And when you have the Economist stating recently that Hull should be ‘shut down’ – this book does nothing to dispel that stereotype!
I also thought the description of the fair, which is quite atmospheric and invigorating did not go into enough depth. I know it was just something that book was hung on, but nothing really happened at the fair. The floods would have been a more emotive hook, and a better conscious rather than possible sub-conscious catalyst to certain actions of the characters.
I thought all the main characters would converge in quite an unpleasant way, or at least pass or meet fleetingly, to suggest the ‘connectiveness’ of everyone in tight community. This again is not a criticism, it is better not to know what will happen, than it be sign-posted.
Some of the characters needed a little more depth, like David/Denise, although there was lovely moment in the hospital between Denise and his mother, where ‘character through action’ occurred.
I would certainly recommend this book. It is not complicated, with the exception of the narration and it might not be a book to read just before you go to sleep every night, as there is no direct or indirect speech marks, a bit like McCarthy’s The Road. I really enjoyed, and not just because Hull gave birth to me. I read it quickly over four days – so there is a good indication of a good book.
I enjoyed it as I did not know where the differing threads would end up. I also thought the omniscient third person narrator, that came across as almost a first person Hullensian was quite clever, in fact that was the best bit of the book for me.
If I have a criticism it would be all the characters depicted Hull in a grim light. And when you have the Economist stating recently that Hull should be ‘shut down’ – this book does nothing to dispel that stereotype!
I also thought the description of the fair, which is quite atmospheric and invigorating did not go into enough depth. I know it was just something that book was hung on, but nothing really happened at the fair. The floods would have been a more emotive hook, and a better conscious rather than possible sub-conscious catalyst to certain actions of the characters.
I thought all the main characters would converge in quite an unpleasant way, or at least pass or meet fleetingly, to suggest the ‘connectiveness’ of everyone in tight community. This again is not a criticism, it is better not to know what will happen, than it be sign-posted.
Some of the characters needed a little more depth, like David/Denise, although there was lovely moment in the hospital between Denise and his mother, where ‘character through action’ occurred.
I would certainly recommend this book. It is not complicated, with the exception of the narration and it might not be a book to read just before you go to sleep every night, as there is no direct or indirect speech marks, a bit like McCarthy’s The Road. I really enjoyed, and not just because Hull gave birth to me. I read it quickly over four days – so there is a good indication of a good book.
March 7, 2011
Declaring an interest, I was once a colleague of Russ's. Well, I say "colleague" - I worked in the same company, one hundred miles away. I think I only ever met him twice.
Also declaring an interest, I once lived in Hull (working for the same place that Russ worked for later); and once went to Hull Fair, which is woven throughout the narrative of this book.
Having that out of the way: what a lovely book. Written in broad East Yorkshire, this is written in a fascinating way - the individual stories in the book are built in a clever way, sometimes letting us see two, or even three, sides of the same event. Another boring novel it isn't; and the characters are very detailed. You feel for each of them, even if some of them aren't very nice.
I found it fascinating - this was a side of Hull I didn't see during my nine months there (nine months that I didn't really enjoy very much, being honest); and a side of Hull that was also eerily familiar to me.
It's not a cheery read, though there is humour in it; it's a little dark in places. It's complex, and sometimes confusing. But that's the charm of the thing: not all the lines have been joined for you. A Dan Brown, this ain't. But you're reading this because you probably don't want a Dan Brown. You're reading this because you want a proper novel, full of character. And for that, this doesn't disappoint.
Even if this wasn't a distant colleague; even if it wasn't about a place I know; I'd still highly recommend it. Read it.
Also declaring an interest, I once lived in Hull (working for the same place that Russ worked for later); and once went to Hull Fair, which is woven throughout the narrative of this book.
Having that out of the way: what a lovely book. Written in broad East Yorkshire, this is written in a fascinating way - the individual stories in the book are built in a clever way, sometimes letting us see two, or even three, sides of the same event. Another boring novel it isn't; and the characters are very detailed. You feel for each of them, even if some of them aren't very nice.
I found it fascinating - this was a side of Hull I didn't see during my nine months there (nine months that I didn't really enjoy very much, being honest); and a side of Hull that was also eerily familiar to me.
It's not a cheery read, though there is humour in it; it's a little dark in places. It's complex, and sometimes confusing. But that's the charm of the thing: not all the lines have been joined for you. A Dan Brown, this ain't. But you're reading this because you probably don't want a Dan Brown. You're reading this because you want a proper novel, full of character. And for that, this doesn't disappoint.
Even if this wasn't a distant colleague; even if it wasn't about a place I know; I'd still highly recommend it. Read it.
August 31, 2011
This novel, set over the last weekend of Hull Fair, boasts an impressive swear word-per-line ratio and within its pages we meet so many characters that it almost feels by the end that the reader is acquainted with every single resident of that city.
Fast moving, and with frequent switches between characters and viewpoints, it’s like a fairground ride in itself. Many stories interlink and they were so numerous I couldn’t even say whether any of them was left dangling at the end. It left me with a slightly disorientating feeling of happiness, sorrow, horror and amusement.
All aspects of life in Hull are investigated from the fishing to the famous bridge, helped along by the dialect I remember from my Yorkshire childhood, used not only by the characters but by the 3rd person narrative voice too. My favourite bit was where the character Brian muses about fairs: “Them big silver helium balloons bobbing about ... Fiver each them balloons, someone told Brian. A f*ckin’ fiver! So that’s a tenner if you’ve got two bains. Two bains round Fair, two goes on a ride at two quid apiece, two balloons, two bags of sugary shite, then two goes on the Hook-a-Duck to win two plastic pieces of tat worth about three bob apiece. Jesus Christ. Must spend a f*ckin’ fortune. Brian’s glad his two are grown up now.” Well said that man.
Fast moving, and with frequent switches between characters and viewpoints, it’s like a fairground ride in itself. Many stories interlink and they were so numerous I couldn’t even say whether any of them was left dangling at the end. It left me with a slightly disorientating feeling of happiness, sorrow, horror and amusement.
All aspects of life in Hull are investigated from the fishing to the famous bridge, helped along by the dialect I remember from my Yorkshire childhood, used not only by the characters but by the 3rd person narrative voice too. My favourite bit was where the character Brian muses about fairs: “Them big silver helium balloons bobbing about ... Fiver each them balloons, someone told Brian. A f*ckin’ fiver! So that’s a tenner if you’ve got two bains. Two bains round Fair, two goes on a ride at two quid apiece, two balloons, two bags of sugary shite, then two goes on the Hook-a-Duck to win two plastic pieces of tat worth about three bob apiece. Jesus Christ. Must spend a f*ckin’ fortune. Brian’s glad his two are grown up now.” Well said that man.
January 17, 2015
Hull is flooded - but the fair is on. A train wreck intersection of local lives collide in short, sharp snippets as we're taken through an impressive cross section of lives. The pace which, though bewildering at first is very compelling, with the clever effect that you are left wondering in the wake of it all - as many of the characters are - about the consequences of what has just happened.
Rollercoaster ride indeed.
It's very grim at times, but manages to simultaneously wield both a very black, deadpan humour alongside a salt of the earth kind of warmth. The voice is genuine, down to earth, and captures the local character wonderfully. It doesn't pull any punches - there is racism and violence, drug addiction, crime and general - but these well rounded off in the characters who just get on with it.
Rollercoaster ride indeed.
It's very grim at times, but manages to simultaneously wield both a very black, deadpan humour alongside a salt of the earth kind of warmth. The voice is genuine, down to earth, and captures the local character wonderfully. It doesn't pull any punches - there is racism and violence, drug addiction, crime and general - but these well rounded off in the characters who just get on with it.
March 17, 2013
I really don't understand what made this book so compelling, intellectually, but I could hardly put it down. Lots of stories of apparently relatively 'normal' Hull folks and their intersecting storylines, over Hull Fair weekend, shortly after the 2007 floods. Living in the area, it all rang so very, very true and was hugely 'familiar'. The only thing I didn't like was the lack of a tidy ending. I wanted to understand what happened to all the sub-plots, but virtually everything was left hanging. A bit like a soap opera. So when's the next episode?
September 27, 2014
Litten builds a criss-crossing patchwork of Hull denizens with a deft eye to detail, and to character -- to the subtle joys and heartbreaks surrounding the Hull Fair. Scream If You Want To Go Faster's cast of characters are both imperfect and beautifully human, and the hard lives they carve out, the moments each live are a the work of a sharp and natural storyteller, one keenly aware of how close most lives are to rattling of the rails and how it looks, sounds, tastes, and above all feels when it does. A terrific first novel.
July 27, 2013
This proved to be an excellent read. A very vivid story of life in Hull with the Fair being the centre of it.
It's written in the Hull dialect which I imagine some people may struggle with. The book is structured in small chapters which are all named by places and times during the three days which the book details.
Although its a complex story with a good number of characters, it all comes together towards the end. Well worth sticking with.
It's written in the Hull dialect which I imagine some people may struggle with. The book is structured in small chapters which are all named by places and times during the three days which the book details.
Although its a complex story with a good number of characters, it all comes together towards the end. Well worth sticking with.
May 24, 2013
I didn't quite gel with this book. It is well written, and I am sure many will love it, but it is a bit too gritty, a bit too real and quite frankly upsetting in parts. Good capturing of Hull and the voices and dialects, some laugh at loud moments but on the whole wouldn't want to read it again.
July 27, 2011
Enjoyable, but I found it a bit frustrating that the story jumped around between characters so much. I would have preferred fewer characters and a bit more depth.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews