Robert James

This is a book about contemporary Scotland. It examines Politics Hard Living and the possible romance. The conclusion of the Novella suggests that Love is for the two central protagonists Robert & McPhail something that has ended in defeat. However their dormant love for each other is something that may happen-it is still possible beyond the end of the book. The book ends on a moment of optimism for the two of them. It is written in the existentialism of a French writer like Camus. This suggests that life is a paradox not making much sense and random in its nature. The central rape scene is a metaphor for the rapacious behaviour of Scotlands Right Wing Politicians. In urban Scotland the majority live on the margins of existence. Robert & McPhail are upper class by Birth but both have tasted the Discriminatory values of a lower class. This suggests that the class system is pernicious and unfair. The status Quo that is the structure that underpins Britains identity. The book is a call for Independence in Scotland. More likely a Republic. The book suggests that UP TO NOW Scotlands attempt to assert its own identity has ended in a hollow defeat. But the voice for an Independent Scotland has grown to a majority since this book was first published.