Sticks and Stones
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Arkbound
Published:10th Oct '16
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
Adult in crime and autobiographies. Buzzwords: autobiography, memoir, Bristol, dark side, family, prison, crime, success.
A memoir by an ex-prisoner and figure in the Bristol underworld, showcasing his life.A memoir by a man who tells his story with brutal honesty, this book delves into the darker side of Bristol - a side that few even know about. Paul Scrase ran brothels, had a hand in drugs, and spent time in prison. But he is also shown as a loving family man, someone who managed to successfully run legitimate companies and help train construction workers in the Middle East. No, this is not a book of glamour and airy prose, but a rollicking account of things most readers will find shocking - providing an insight into Bristol like never before. Yet what could amount to a rogue's tale of misdeeds is also an intensely human journey, imparting lessons to us all. "Bristol - a city renown for its creativity, `green' ethos, and vibrant cultural scene. But behind the acclaim and awards is a world of crime, prostitution, grinding poverty and violence. Paul Scrase's book reveals this world like no other."
Scrase's novel is not a traditional one in any sense; rather than make any effort to sugar-coat events from his life, even just by neat story-telling, pleasant wording or heightened drama, the portrayal of his life is simple and truthful. His writing is blunt and unfriendly, as were his experiences, and he keeps nothing secret from the reader. This is a man who ran brothels, took drugs and even spent time in prison. But this is also a man who loved his wife and his children and ran legitimate businesses. He is no stereotype, nor is this book, but to say much more would be to give away the book's greatest strengths. The book's highlight is Scrase's insight and the constant personal thoughts he gives Scrase talks of regret, loss and love in almost equal measure to his mention of criminal activity. If you want stylisation, glorification or bland 'easy-reading' then stick to what's familiar. But if you want something really interesting, meaningful and powerful then do yourself a favour and explore Scrase's memoir - it deserves your time. - Review by Dr Henry Spicer.
ISBN: 9780993526541
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
122 pages