Books / irvine welsh
Bookhaus hosts book launch for Irvine Welsh ‘Trainspotting’ sequel: ‘Men in Love’
Published in 1993, Irvine Welsh’s trailblazing debut novel Trainspotting became internationally renowned when it was turned into Danny Boyle’s era-defining film three years later – replete with a phenomenal cast and a zeitgeisty 1990s soundtrack.
Although the endings diverged slightly, the Trainspotting story is built around the turbulent and addiction-addled lives of Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie in Edinburgh (memorably brought to life by Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle in the film).
In the intervening years, Welsh has returned again and again to his most celebrated characters, first writing Porno (2002) – later renamed T2 Trainspotting, which was adapted into the eponymous 2017 film, again with Boyle directing. This story returned to the quartet a decade after they were last seen.
is needed now More than ever
He then wrote the prequel, Skagboys (2012), which is set in 1984, and focuses on Renton’s narrative in the run-up to the events of Trainspotting.
Four years later, Welsh published The Blade Artist, which is set in the early 2010s, and follows the violent sociopath and ex-con, Begbie – now living under a false name in California.
Seen as the sequel to Porno/T2, his 2018 novel Dead Men’s Trousers picks up the Trainspotting characters once more, now in middle-age. But until now, Welsh has not written an immediate continuation to the story that started it all.
In July 24, he will be publishing Men in Love (Penguin Books), which will return to Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie as they navigate life immediately after the concluding events of the first novel.
Irvine Welsh, Men in Love – photo: Penguin Books
Taking in rave culture, the end of Thatcher’s Britain and a mutual quest for love, the book follows the group as they navigate a whole new dawn.
The much-anticipated sequel will be accompanied by a book tour – and Welsh will be appearing at a special launch event hosted by Bookhaus at Trinity on July 22.
In conjunction with the novel’s release, Welsh has announced that he will also be releasing an album, made in collaboration with The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra.
View this post on Instagram
Bookhaus presents: the Men in Love launch with Irvine Welsh, atTrinity on July 22 (6-8pm). Check www.bookhausbristol.com for ticket availability
All photos: Bookhaus
Read next:
- Bookhaus to host a raft of literary events in spring and summer
- Storytale Festival announces inaugural Writers’ Day at Arnos Vale
- Final preparations underway for ‘Translated By, Bristol’ – the city’s first festival of translated literature
Love Bookhaus? Bristol24/7 members get 50% off a book every month! Alongside amazing freebies, special offers and competitions with the best brands in Bristol – find out more and join here
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
