Little Green Man

by Simon Armitage

Book Overview

A touching account of male friendship and the rivalries that drive friends apart from one of our foremost poets, exploring the darker side of men and their relationships. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0140297774
• ISBN13: 9780140297775
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Penguin Books
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 7.8" x 0.7" x 5.1"

Customer Reviews

Watch your back, Iain Banks!

What a cracking debut novel! The hugely talented Simon Armitage has given us as compelling a first book as Bank's seminal Wasp Factory, which I was reminded of on occasion.I was drawn in as soon as I read the blurb on the inside cover, as the contents of our anti-hero Barney's attic sounded scarily similar to mine. The descriptions of childhood memories surrounding old board games, subbuteo and scalextric sets will give every 30 or 40 something bloke a delightful memory kick. The eponymous "little green man" - a valuable jade artifact, is a sort of totem, discovered during the innocence of youth. Barney, in a desperate attempt to recreate the cameraderie and magic of childhood friendship, uses the man as a prize in an increasingly dangerous game of bluff. It would be inappropriate for me to include any spoilers here, as the reader must uncover the sometimes amusing, sometimes horrific and revolting dares for themself, but suffice it to say that I was utterly rivetted by the uneasy sense of acceleration towards disaster.With well-crafted sub-plots and twists aplenty, this is a highly enjoyable tale which I recommend most highly. Be warned though, you may need a strong stomach!