Has anyone read this book? I apologise if it has already been discussed in an earlier BBS existence! I`ve just finished it - and I can`t make my mind up about it. (Unusual for me!) I admit that I had to steel myself to the foul language, and the crudity, and accepted that it was necessary to the credibility of the characters.

Some of the writing about the first and second World Wars was quite harrowing and moving, but I`ve finished the book feeling that the author is trying to con me into believing that ...... well, I`d like to know what you think before I say any more!

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

Answers

I got to the Journey out of Holland before disinterest got the better of me. After reading his first two books - Headhunters and the Football Factory - I wasn't too fussed about the trials and tribulations of Mango and the other Chewsee peeps. Might try and pick it up again and finish it off.
I don't suppose he makes it back to Amsterdam to be reunited with his woman though (that's the romantic in me).

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

Not heard about it myself......I will try and get hold of a copy,read it and let you know.

I didn't like Season Ticket which some on here did, so my judgement may not be all I think it is. ;0)

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

Ken swap you England Away for the Season Ticket....It's just like Pokemon cards (except you won't get a 9 year old holding a knife at your throat for the the latest Bimson Brothers book).

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

Yeah....no problem.....As it now looks as if my Derby Day out is off, (ticket fell through - can't find anyone who has got a spare boo hoo) I can drop it round over the weekend if you want. Mail me at home and at work (yes, I am doing some believe it or not) and we can sort it out.

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

I couldn't abide that Season Ticket either...although I must admit to being slightly curious to see how the film will turn out...perverse isn't it :)

I'll see if I can pick it up somewhere (haha I'm off again!) when I'm next back in the UK :)

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

I didn`t enjoy The Season Ticket either, but I`ve got a spare copy if anyone wants it.

ITK - are you back at work? Did you get the picture I sent you with an e mail? Couldn`t get it to go through on the home e mail address - but I think it went through to the work one. (It`s OK folks - before you all jump the gun, it was an amusing postcard that`s all!)

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

Yes Galaxy, I did get it.

I mailed you back earlier this afternoon...did you not get it. If you didn't sorry, I don't know if there is a problem with our E Mails but It seems to be very slow getting messages out and back in again.

They did a system upgrade this morning, so it is probably that that has kn@ckered it

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

haha I'd already jumped the gun ;) one of the reasons I through my proposal into the ring so prematurely :))

You two really need to be careful when using the medium, people like me can think all sorts of things :)))

Oh and I've also got a copy of the season ticket that I'll pay someone to take off me!

-- Anonymous, May 03, 2000

I liked the three John King books - really interesting, though not always sure whether one should enjoy the thuggery side of it. Its sort of fascinating - in a kind of I don't want to see this, but can't stop looking kind of way - but frightening.

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000

Beardo,

Not familiar with those you mention, but try American Psycho - another that you really don't want to read but can't help.

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000

Beardo, did you think that in England Away the author was trying to use the two World Wars as justification for the hooliganism, or that they used it as an excuse to behave badly? I couldn`t make my mind up, I did however, think that the book was well written, and the characters horribly believeable. Quite puts me off the idea of going to England games on the Continent though.

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000

Galaxy

Not quite sure actually. I think it was clear that Mark and the rest of the Chelsea crew certainly used the War as an excuse for their violence. In essence, they justified what they were doing by claiming that they were continuing what their forefathers had started etc. One thing that comes out of it very clearly is the feeling that they feel they have to stand up and be counted for England. That if they don't do their bit, they will never live it down etc. The war bits are hard to explain. Were they there to compare 'justified' violence with unjustified violence. Or to make the (false) point that both types of violence are unacceptable - the difference being that one is praised because you are doing if for King and country, whilst the other condemned. One thing that did come out was that even a justified war is dirty in reality - hence the soldier coming across his comrade raping that woman. If you thought the war bits were moving to read, you must read 'Birdsong' by Sebastian Faulkes and 'The Regeneration Trilogy' by Pat Barker - if you haven't already.

Beardo

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000

Gav

>>I'd already jumped the gun ;) one of the reasons I threw my proposal into the ring so prematurely<<

Why on earth did I smile when I read this? Those Swiss lasses are up for anything, aren't they!

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000

Birdsong is on the top of the pile to be read next. As for England Away, your observations were mostly the same as my own. I`ll probably read his other two books as well now. (:o)

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000

Gav,

How much will you pay someone to take it off your hands. (Season Ticket)?

The postage to oz?

I will send it back once I find someone to read it to me of course!!

-- Anonymous, May 04, 2000