2. Trainspotting (1993)
Trainspotting in Welsh's most successful and well known novel, having been adapted into the 1996 cult movie of the same name, by Danny Boyle. Written in heavy Scottish dialect, like much of his work, Trainspotting does take some getting used to initially, but once you have gotten over the way it is written, you find yourself immersed in the rich Scottish tone the novel has to offer. This novel is where we are introduced to characters that we as an audience have become so accustomed to over the years. I don't want to dwell on the movie adaptation, but many people will have seen the movie first and then gone on to read the book, and it is nice to see where the original concept came from. Literary journal and publishing house Rebel Inc has been quoted as saying that it "deserves to sell more copies than the Bible" and that is pretty brave statement; but one that I would be inclined to agree with. For a debut novel, it is a masterpiece. One that shows an insight into a life that so many people have seen on the fringes of society, but never had chance to actually experience; and now they can, from the safety and comfort of their own home. At times deeply depressing, whilst in the next breath wildly funny; this novel is really one that needs to be read and experienced by everyone at some point in their lives.