Grits is the debut novel by British author Niall Griffiths, published in 2000 by Jonathan Cape. Set in and around Aberystwyth and concerning promiscuity, drugs, alcohol, and petty crime[1] it gained for its author, who lives and works in the town[2] the dubious honorific "the Welsh Irvine Welsh".[3] The novel is largely autobiographical, Griffiths moved to Aberystwyth to research a PhD in post-war British poetry but soon became, as he puts it, an "enthusiastic participator in parties"[4] and dropped out of his studies.[5]

Grits
First edition
AuthorNiall Griffiths
Cover artistMatt Smith/PYMCA
LanguageEnglish
PublisherJonathan Cape
Publication date
Feb 2000
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePrint (paperback)
Pages481
ISBN0-224-05996-3
Followed bySheepshagger 

Ianto, a character briefly appearing in Grits became the anti-hero of Griffith's second novel Sheepshagger.[3]

Reception

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From the rear of the 2001 Vintage Books edition :

  • "When it comes to kick starting the literary millennium, Grits - difficult, disturbing and unforgettable - may well be the book to back" - Independent
  • "Griffiths is undoubtedly a writer of talent. In the breadth of his huge, pulsing first novel, he captures the tedium of a life lived from one fix to the next" - Observer
  • "If you liked Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting you'll love Grits" - Daily Express

References

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  1. ^ Rear cover, 2001 Vintage Books edition, ISBN 0-09-9285177
  2. ^ "Niall Griffiths | British Council Literature". Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  3. ^ a b Last exit to Aberystwyth Archived 3 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine, The Guardian, Saturday 3 February 2001
  4. ^ "Nee, Laura. "Grits". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 23 June 2008". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  5. ^ "Retrieved 2014-03-28". Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
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