This book is a powerhouse . . . the man writes beautifully . . . the story is heartbreaking -- MAYA ANGELOU

Extraordinary - a modern American tragedy, sharply told. Brilliant -- LENNY HENRY

A brilliantly written book about somebody's battle with addiction, and it was really useful for me into the sort of mindset of somebody that doesn't want to be taking drugs but can't stop -- EWAN McGREGOR

Its first-person narrative is energised by the power of the speaking voice, which expresses itself in a jagged, syncopated style reminiscent of a rap monologue . . . It's difficult to put down, even during its most violent moments - New Yorker

An unconventional, powerful, funny, even important, first novel . . . it is a fully imagined fiction . . . above all, because of Cornelius' original and authentic voice - Times Literary Supplement

I love this book. It's everything a novel about this experience should be -- IRVINE WELSH

Shell's writing is frighteningly compelling - Los Angeles Times

A modern-day tragedy that explores a modern-day ill - a chilling novel - Time Out

A tour de force . . . brilliant, just brilliant -- LEE DANIELS

This is a tour de force, make no mistake about it . . . The strength of Shell's writing is his ability to pull you into a terrifying, funny, immensely sad and exciting world - The Voice