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Rating: 
Summary: A De Quincey for the nineties
Review: This book, written by an ex-heroin addict, does two things. On the one hand it gives the reader a harrowingly vivid insight into what it feels like to be a heroin addict. On the other hand it puts forward a sustained critique of modern British drugs laws and policies. It succeeds more convincingly on the first count, although many of the political points the author makes are hard to disagree with.The main value of the book is simply that there are no other good ones like it. Granted that heroin addiction forms the backdrop for a whole genre of 'Trainspotting'-inspired literature and film, but the sensationalism of these productions is far removed from the sober and considered portrait of addiction Stewart paints. Stewart's treatment of the subject is comprehensive and her style of writing persuasive and charismatic. The autobiographical sections which discuss her involvement in the Liverpool drugs scene in the 1970's are the most fascinating, the account of her gradual slide into addiction reminiscent of 'Go Ask Alice'. Unlike Alice, however, Stewart's story has a redemptive ending. Required reading for would-be Kurt Cobains and policy-makers alike.
Rating:
Summary: A De Quincey for the nineties
Review: This book, written by an ex-heroin addict, does two things. On the one hand it gives the reader a harrowingly vivid insight into what it feels like to be a heroin addict. On the other hand it puts forward a sustained critique of modern British drugs laws and policies. It succeeds more convincingly on the first count, although many of the political points the author makes are hard to disagree with. The main value of the book is simply that there are no other good ones like it. Granted that heroin addiction forms the backdrop for a whole genre of 'Trainspotting'-inspired literature and film, but the sensationalism of these productions is far removed from the sober and considered portrait of addiction Stewart paints. Stewart's treatment of the subject is comprehensive and her style of writing persuasive and charismatic. The autobiographical sections which discuss her involvement in the Liverpool drugs scene in the 1970's are the most fascinating, the account of her gradual slide into addiction reminiscent of 'Go Ask Alice'. Unlike Alice, however, Stewart's story has a redemptive ending. Required reading for would-be Kurt Cobains and policy-makers alike.
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