The Sound of My Voice

Morris is not hoping to meet Ms. Right and acquire the two kids that will straighten everything out. He already has all this and it hasn’t kept him off the bottle. Ron Butlin’s tale of one man’s inner turmoil is haunting, harrowing, yet strangely uplifting; a masterpiece from a celebrated Scottish writer and poet.

Reviews of The Sound of My Voice

Morris Magellan has a house in the suburbs, nice wife and kids. But Morris is also a chronic alcoholic, heading fast towards self-destruction. Morris is not hoping to meet Ms. Right and acquire the two kids that will straighten everything out. He already has all this and it hasn't kept him off the bottle. Ron Butlin's tale of one man's inner turmoil is haunting, harrowing, yet strangely uplifting; a masterpiece from a celebrated Scottish writer and poet. With an international reputation as a prize-winning novelist, Ron Butlin is a former Edinburgh Makar / Poet Laureate (2008-2014). In 2009 he was made the first ever Honorary Writing fellow (together with Ian Rankin) at Edinburgh University. Much of his poetry, as well as many of his novels and short stories, have been broadcast and translated into over a dozen languages. In addition to his plays for BBC radio and theatre, he has written seven opera libretti, three of them for Scottish Opera. He has given readings and talks all over the world. `The Sound of My Voice is the sound of a writer at the peak of his power, and one of the most inventive and daring novels ever to have come out of Scotland. Ron Butlin is that rare breed – a poet who takes the novel form and shows it is ripe for reinvention. Playful, haunting and moving, this is writing of the highest quality.' Ian Rankin; `One of the classic post-war Scottish novels. It's simply a roaring success on all levels; it's a genius piece of fiction.' Irvine Welsh in the Sunday Herald; `One of the greatest pieces of fiction to come out of Britain in the 80s' Irvine Welsh in the New York Village Voice; `Butlin's novel deserves to be talked about in the same breath as Saul Bellow's Seize the Day.' Alan Chadwick in METRO; `A stylistic masterpiece . . . Chilling but extremely enjoyable.' Daily Mail; `Striking . . . extraordinary.' The List; `brilliantly-structured short novel . . . superb writing' Joyce McMillan, Scotsman; `Compulsively readable . . . a cleverly orchestrated unique work of fiction.' Glasgow Herald; `. . . an extraordinarily powerful and redemptive work, as impressive for its use of language as for its emotional appeal. Butlin's only precursor is Kafka.' Time Out; `Haunting, dark, relentless.' Uncut; `Brutal and bruising, this is as near the edge as you can get without falling. Totally recommended.' Crack