Kieron Smith, Boy

Kieron Smith, Boy is a novel by the Scottish writer James Kelman published in 2008 by Hamish Hamilton.^[1][2][3]

Kieron Smith, Boy

First edition
Author	James Kelman
Language	English
Publisher	Hamish Hamilton
Publication date	2008
Publication place	Scotland
Media type	Print
Pages	422

Critical reception

Michel Faber wrote in The Guardian, "Kieron Smith, Boy is the monologue of an unexceptional, inarticulate lad growing up in Glasgow's poorer neighbourhoods. The boy's voice is utterly, mercilessly authentic. ...James Kelman remains one of the most distinctive writers in Britain."^[1]

The reviewer in The Independent stated: "If you want novels with turning-points, pots of gold at the end of the rainbow, the marriage of a heroine, the restoration of the status quo, or any other sort of overarching narrative structure to make you feel cosy, don't look to James Kelman. You will find more awkward adventure in Kelman's meticulous commitment to the common experiences of ordinary life – all conveyed in playful, accessible language from a particular voice and a particular place. In this, Kelman is in a league of his own. This is an outstanding novel of immense power, and is Kelman's best yet."^[2]

Awards

Kieron Smith, Boy won the Saltire Society's Book of the Year and the Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year.^[4][5][6]

References

1. Faber, Michael (26 April 2008). "This boy's life". The Guardian. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
2. Kovesi, Simon (25 April 2008). "Kieron Smith, Boy, by James Kelman". The Independent. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
3. Meek, James (22 May 2008). "Dead Not Deid". London Review of Books. 30 (10). Retrieved 23 January 2014.
4. Brown, Tom. "The SRB Interview: James Kelman". Scottish Review of Books: 39.
5. "Book awards: Scottish Arts Council Book of the Year". Library Thing.
6. "James Kelman – Biography". Literature. British Council. Retrieved 20 February 2021.