Ecstasy Paperback – Illustrated, August 17, 1996

I loved the book, never a dull moment. Funny and poignant, written in colloquial language which was fun to translate.

Um... I was warned, but I still was very unprepared for how filthy this book really was. Irvine sure is not afraid to get ugly. The prose in which it was written was actually quite entertaining. He writes phonetically and sometimes it serves best to really sound the word out, possibly aloud. Very funny.The book was very good. Shocking. But good. At times I found the topic hard to stomach but generally I was expecting such feelings while reading this.I expect I will read another of his novels as I did enjoy this one. But, I may need an Irvine break first. It is a very focused read.The stories were good. I think I liked the 2nd story the best, and found the most shocking. Overall, very satisfied.

This book is my favourite book of all time. I know that my personal opinion probably doesn't count when compared to someone who has perhaps studied a Masters in English, but I really think anyone should read this book. My favourite of the three stories in this collection, is "Lorraine goes to Livingstone". This story, has the usual shock value characteristic of Welsh, but to the literary buffs out there, it can be analysed on many levels. I found it to be an hilarious satire of the media, as well as being accurate at pinpointing the true motives to the characters behaviour. I think that this collection of short stories will be loved by the most discerning readers, not only because it's funny, deep etc, but also because it forces the reader to see the part of the human psyche that we don't want to admit is present. In short buy this book!

this was an interesting book. it involves the lives of people what are into the UK club scene. there wasnt a ton of chapters about the partying, and thats why i gave it 3 stars. i expected a little bit more from it.

Sometimes when writers venture into the area of the short story their craft suffers from cut corners and unanswered questions. That may be the case in Ecstacy, but if it is I was too engrossed to notice the flaws. "Lorraine Goes to Livingston" deals with a writer who concocts a plan to strike revenge at her cheating husband. "Fortune's Always Hiding" explores the twisted relationship between a soccer hooligan and a deformed but beautiful women. "The Undefeated" is the tale of two polar opposites finding love somewhere in the middle.Each story is a quick read, but not for lack of plot or charater development. With a few sentences Welsh makes these miscreants/victims into three-dimensional people; it often feels as if the reader is somehow intruding into these people's lives. And each novella gets increasingly better. "The Undefeated" is probably the best of the bunch though the novel-within-a-novella excerpts and deviant sexual debauchery from "Lorraine Goes to Livingston" and the horrific mutilations (horrific but not explicitly graphic) in "Fortune's Always Hiding" also stand out as interesting highlights.Once again Welsh has assembled a strong cast of characters and thrown them into extraordinary circumstances. What you get is one helluva ride.

I love his writing. Some of the subject line a bit risky for me but that's Irvine. Good for a quick short story.

when people speak of shock writers Welsh is brought up for good reson... his stories are like seeing a car accident... you don't want to look but something tell you that you must... his stories twist and turn, and so do the characters, through hospitals, clubs and the streets of England. Americans be warned this is a book sometimes hard to follow because of the diction... but as in all of his work, Welsh will leave you speechless in the end.

Man, what a read! If you like the "seedy" undercurrent in these stories, check out the Trash Can Sinatras. Welsh has used their songs in his stage production of _Mariobou Stork Nightmare_! Same seediness at times, but veiled in catchy pop vocal stylings and warm guitar sounds. If you like Welsh, you'll LOVE the Sinatras (and you can buy all their albums on Amazon!).

Molto bello

I like Irvine Welsh, in fact he's my favorite author. Frankly this book " Ecstacy " wasn't been such a good read for me.. In my opinion, it's not one of his best works, not at all.. although i still gave it a go. Wouldn't recommend the book if ye are looking for something more spicy, but if ye like the author then ye should pick it.I received a counterfeit copy of the book.

As a writer I love Irvine Welsh, his stories have always rung true for a particular time in my life living in Scotland. Recognizing places in his books, he captures the scene perfectly. Dark humour plenty in book & usual style of slipping into Scottish vernacular, that without living here would probably have trouble understanding. This book is split into 3 stories, the first was a weakest but amusingly messed up. The 2/3 were better classic Welsh fare of honour, social commentary & subversive characters. 4 stars because did not like first story as much as other two & also because not up to best work of trainspotting trilogy, filth & crime. If looking for a first time Welsh book go for one of those 5, still enjoyable read, brought back memories

If you were there and recognise the hairspray bliss of your first E sliding down your throat with the heady promise of a lifestyle choice attached then you’ll love this trip down memory lane before the money and the superstar dj’s, gangsters and conmen disguised as drug dealers got involved

Bought this after enjoying trainspotting. This is a good read based on 3 short stories involving drug use. Stories one and three were the better ones. Worth a read. Written in parts in Scottish accent although it’s easy to follow as the stories are interesting.