Closing Time

A compelling lightheartedness tumbles the reader through the sticky pages of 'Closing Time': Bad behaviour in bedsit land, bar-room philosophy and bodily functions are but some of the juicy centres of this delicious story-telling. "We were ready to go to Scotland. I couldn't believe it when Mike turned up with an air rifle.

We hadn't been getting on too brilliantly, so I was a little anxious." Humour, light-heartedness and generosity of spirit flood the pages of "Closing Time" - a considerable achievement since its protagonist, John inhabits a space where many would say "the sun don't shine".

Leaving home in a rush of adrenaline, John finds himself in bedsit land trying to get by as best he can.

Set in the town of Fulwich in the present day, the story follows him through disorganised days and alcohol-induced nights.

Bar-room philosophy and bodily functions are but some of the juicy centres of this delicious story-telling, as John tries to make sense of his life and reach some kind of equilibrium.

This very funny book gives humanity a great big hug.

The characters are strangely vulnerable, their adventure is not one of ordinary aspiration. Not suntan and tinsel for John, rather a need for genuine contact.

It is a celebration, a brave and invigorating journey firmly rooted in contemporary culture, more 'riot' than 'rite' of passage.