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The Penguin Podcast
Irvine Welsh with Richard E. Grant
May 25, 2016
Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting, joins Richard E. Grant to discuss his latest novel The Blade Artist, inspired by objects like The Big Issue and white socks. Welsh talks about art transforming lives, writing ultra-violence, and the difference between psychopaths and sociopaths. They explore Begbie's rehabilitation through art, the influence of Leith and Edinburgh in the novel, and the dark side of the 1990s music industry.
37:26
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Quick takeaways
- Welsh draws inspiration from everyday objects like The Big Issue and gym socks to shape his characters and narratives.
- Art plays a transformative role in Begbie's life, showcasing Welsh's exploration of character evolution through creative expression.
Deep dives
Revisiting Begbie in The Blade Artist
The novel delves into the resurrection of Begbie as a character, exploring the decision to give him his own novel. It stems from discussions about continuing Trainspotting and struggles to adapt him to American violence norms. Welsh's inspiration for revisiting Begbie came from a Christmas story which evolved into a new narrative, portraying Begbie as a surprisingly reasonable individual now settled in California.
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