Changes

|title=Mo Said She Was Quirky

|author=James Kelman

|publisher=Hamish Hamilton

|date=August 2012

|summary=As ever with Kelman this is a stylish book with strong political points. Entertaining but beware - the head of the neurotic lead character can be an uncomfortable place to be at times.

}}

Mo may have said that Helen was quirky - neurotic might have been a more accurate assessment of his partner though. Although not a first person narrative, James Kelman's latest is another dramatic monologue, although the first time he has placed a female as his main character. Helen is a single mother, working nights as a croupier in a London casino. Mo is her Asian boyfriend. In fairness to Helen, she has a lot to worry about - a damaged upbringing that has seen her older brother leave home without trace, a failed marriage, and a life of constant struggle. As usual with Kelman, his approach is tender, yet gritty and often gently amusing. He's always sympathetic to his main characters. However, if you are new to Kelman, be warned that he is a writer that is heavy on a distinctive style more than plot per se.