Anyone read 'Shawnie' by Ed Trewavas?

[Turquoise]

Bloody hell it was depressing. Absolutely authentic sounding though, apparently he was a social worker on that estate or similar for 15 years. Bleak.

Yes, I've read it and it is bleak but sometimes very funny and certainly interesting about the dynamics of a violent, abusive family living on an estate in Bristol. Shawnie is spectacular, but not for everyone - reading it can feel like having your skin ripped off and several times I had to put it down and walk away. And I'm used to strong fiction. In the end though it's impressive and haunting and the writer and publisher have to be congratulated on such a hard hitting, brilliantly done book. What does anyone else think?

I agree with having to put it down - the part where the brother randomly attacks the skateboarder at the bus stop is almost unbearable, so frightenly accurate.
It was brilliant though, and very darkly funny - the mother only knowing the time of day by Trisha/Neighbours/Countdown etc.