The reviews for my new novel, Pack Men, have been the best of my career so far. These are some of the highlights:
‘Bissett was there, and his novel vividly recalls the so-called Battle of Piccadilly…Casts an unsparing eye over the sectarian pollution of Scottish society.’ – The Guardian
‘Bissett writes subtly, intelligently and also passionately about men. An outstanding novel.’ – Scotland on Sunday
‘A landmark in Scottish fiction. A unique and special novel. I honestly haven’t read anything as impressive as this from a Scottish writer in yonks’ – Irvine Welsh
‘Alan Bissett somehow invests an originality and freshness that’s uncommon in a genre so often hackneyed…Bissett’s ear for cut and thrust, for chiv-sharp wit and tinder-dry insult is incisive, pitch-perfect, informed. While the sentiments may be crude, the writing is subtle, well paced, authentic and compelling. The reader is white-water rafting on a cesspit-flow of verbal regurgitation, repelled, but riveted by the ride… What most impresses is Bissett’s talent. His writing is underscored with wit and, against the odds, he imbues almost all of his characters with dignity, with the force to act against type – especially in a breathtaking, breakaway, counter-intuitive which climax makes you gasp.’ – The Scotsman
‘A blistering, adrenaline-fuelled romp. Should be required reading for both sets of Old Firm supporters, as well as anyone interested in 21st Century Scotland.’ – Doug Johnstone, The List
‘Pack Men does what the author’s previous novels do so well: shines a light into the darkest corners of male psychology and behaviour, and finds, underneath the scorn and suffering, redeeming humanity. Told with narrative flair and demotic brilliance, this is a hugely funny, ruthlessly honest, and desperately necessary book. Bissett’s characters are complex, questioning, and always capable of surprising each other and the reader. One of the funniest, most humane and insightful writers today. Pack Men tackles an unsavoury subject with courage and compassion.’ – Sarah Hall, The Big Issue in the North
‘Pack Men is a wry, entertaining and mature work…Bissett succeeds in making us root for the most unlikely of antiheroes, even as he implodes’ – Scottish Review of Books
‘If Scotland’s father of working class consciousness, James Kelman, had a literary son it might be Alan Bissett…funny, irreverent and moving.’ – Gutter
And here are some reviews from the blogosphere.
‘A hugely impressive novel…Alan Bissett has once more held a mirror up to Scottish society.’ – Scots Whay Hae!
‘Real, very honest, heartfelt, witty, hilarious, clever…tender too, full of conviction and affection.’ – Subtle Melodrama
‘Plays with your expectations and gradually pulls you to places you didn’t expect.’ – Curious Joe
I’m currently on tour promoting the book. See below for dates. Come along and make me even happier!
Alan Bissett 