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Sunday, February 11, 2024

751. The Busconductor Hines

The Busconductor Hines
James Kelman
1984
Around 240 pages




















Well, if you thought a novel about a busconductor couldn't be interesting....you were right.

So we get a slice of the Glasgow scene, with our busconductor Robert Hines finding life to be "a very perplexing kettle of coconuts." Like many of us, Robert is unsatisfied with his job and finds comfort in his family and rich interior life. Honestly, it's hard to read as Kelman uses authentic Scottish dialect.

I have to imagine that Kelman portrayed the Glasgow working man convincingly, but I don't think it has as much resonance for the non locals. Kind of a middle of the road experience for me.

Only 250 left!

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

First novel published by Kelman.

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