- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: Myrmidon Books Ltd; First Edition edition (25 Aug 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1905802005
- ISBN-13: 978-1905802005
- Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 13.7 x 2.5 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,864,797 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
The story is set in a near future Britain in the direst quarter of an unnamed city. This is a landscape of tower blocks of huge street lamps that turn the world a shade of greyish orange - beneath which all human activity seems suspect - of winding paths and foot bridges over never quiet motorways. A government initiative to deal with increasing opposition to unpopular council tax rises contracts bands of citizen volunteers to collect payment. Francine O'Brallahan aka Bulletproof Suzy, a highly intelligent though somewhat violent member of the urban underclass, recruits three other young females, her 'little ladies', to exploit the opportunity to earn enough cash to find a better life. Suzy's middle class, politically correct friend, Joanne disapproves of the venture and their friendship is broken. Joanne is found brutally murdered outside Suzy's tower block not long afterwards. Suzy and her crew set about finding the killer to exact retribution in the only way that they know, but there are two deadly and ominous complications: as far as the city police are concerned, Suzy herself remains the prime suspect and there appears to be damning video evidence to back up their theory; and there is a menacing new gang infiltrating Suzy's neighbourhood - they're numerous, sophisticated and armed to the teeth and they're after Suzy's blood. Ian Brotherhood's debut novel seems destined to become a modern cult classic. Suzy's narrative is pacy, fresh and idiosyncratic and her character is an astonishing creation-perhaps the first significant female anti-hero of the 21st century. This is a short sharp left hook of a book, and it hits the spot.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"Ian Brotherhood's debut novel seems destined to become a modern cult classic" according to the book's inside cover and I must agree.
Intial similarities to "A Clockwork Orange" were apparent, both being set in the future, the stories being narrated by the main character and with the use of colloquial 'street-speak', however 'Bulletproof Suzy' is much more reader-friendly and contains less gratuitous violence. The first 5/6 pages are tough going but then the jargon becomes familiar and serves well to enhance the characters, atmosphere and rawness of the book.
Ian Brotherhood sets the tone extremely well with his descriptions being graphic, punchy, moody and at times so shocking and realistic that I could feel my stomach lurch. A strong storyline with a good twist in the tail, interesting characters and controversial issues complete the picture and make for an addictive read. I can easily imagine this being made into film.
Although the timescale of the story is only a few days, by the end of the book you feel as if you have known Suzy for years and want to know what she will do next. If there is to be a sequel I will definitely be pre-ordering!
Overall:
Great read, contemporary style, perhaps a little too much violence for some people, but a must for any individual or reading group who like originality, interesting characters and challenging topical issues.
Intial similarities to "A Clockwork Orange" were apparent, both being set in the future, the stories being narrated by the main character and with the use of colloquial 'street-speak', however 'Bulletproof Suzy' is much more reader-friendly and contains less gratuitous violence. The first 5/6 pages are tough going but then the jargon becomes familiar and serves well to enhance the characters, atmosphere and rawness of the book.
Ian Brotherhood sets the tone extremely well with his descriptions being graphic, punchy, moody and at times so shocking and realistic that I could feel my stomach lurch. A strong storyline with a good twist in the tail, interesting characters and controversial issues complete the picture and make for an addictive read. I can easily imagine this being made into film.
Although the timescale of the story is only a few days, by the end of the book you feel as if you have known Suzy for years and want to know what she will do next. If there is to be a sequel I will definitely be pre-ordering!
Overall:
Great read, contemporary style, perhaps a little too much violence for some people, but a must for any individual or reading group who like originality, interesting characters and challenging topical issues.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Suzy - a product of grey and menacing city streets. Of an absent father and a weakened mother. Smart though. And proper hard. Sees a chance to make some money. She and her Team become agents of the state. Liaison Officers. Council Tax collectors.
Opposition to the hated Tax is hostile. People have already rioted and have been killed. Suzy witnessed the whole thing. She signs up as a collector anyway.
Joanne, Suzy's friend from school has been murdered. Suzy determines on revenge. The cops have their take on things. They would like to put Suzy in the frame for Joanne's killing. After all, the two had argued over Suzy's work for the Commission. She was found outside Suzy's housing block.
Then there is the Commission itself. An organisation that provides training in unarmed combat and collection tactics. An organisation that provides a top legal eagle who rides roughshod over the cops. An organisation that provides contact with shadowy figures in the world of security.
There are other Teams. In particular one that is way outside of home territory and well into Suzy's zone of operation. A Team that is looking for Suzy and her little ladies. Suzy has very quickly become the hunted
Bulletproof Suzy grips. I knew by the end of the first full paragraph that Ian Brotherhood was a true storyteller. It bounds along. It pulsates.
I loved the language. I loved the dark humour.
Bulletproof Suzy is bleak. It is meant to be. Suzy is, in reality, a small time punk. Tough yes, but strictly small time. Smart she may be but she is overwhelmed by events that spiral out with her control.
Bulletproof Suzy is a story of violence. Of individual violence and of the violence of the state. It is a story of power and survival and I think the author should be proud of it.
Opposition to the hated Tax is hostile. People have already rioted and have been killed. Suzy witnessed the whole thing. She signs up as a collector anyway.
Joanne, Suzy's friend from school has been murdered. Suzy determines on revenge. The cops have their take on things. They would like to put Suzy in the frame for Joanne's killing. After all, the two had argued over Suzy's work for the Commission. She was found outside Suzy's housing block.
Then there is the Commission itself. An organisation that provides training in unarmed combat and collection tactics. An organisation that provides a top legal eagle who rides roughshod over the cops. An organisation that provides contact with shadowy figures in the world of security.
There are other Teams. In particular one that is way outside of home territory and well into Suzy's zone of operation. A Team that is looking for Suzy and her little ladies. Suzy has very quickly become the hunted
Bulletproof Suzy grips. I knew by the end of the first full paragraph that Ian Brotherhood was a true storyteller. It bounds along. It pulsates.
I loved the language. I loved the dark humour.
Bulletproof Suzy is bleak. It is meant to be. Suzy is, in reality, a small time punk. Tough yes, but strictly small time. Smart she may be but she is overwhelmed by events that spiral out with her control.
Bulletproof Suzy is a story of violence. Of individual violence and of the violence of the state. It is a story of power and survival and I think the author should be proud of it.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The name alone is intriguing but what a hook on the first page!
Gripping from the outset though you have to tune into the 'lingo.' (Not everyone would/could.) Ian doesn't miss and hit the wall so be prepared for relentless gang-land drama.
The cover would appeal to female and male readers, and although nearly all the characters are female, men would still find this powerful stuff.
I was very impressed by the plot and writing style. There were no wasted words, with wee glimpses of humour. Within the confines of an extreme plot, the characters are strong and believable. I'm usually a purist about grammar and punctuation, but I like the fact that some authors nowadays, Ian included, don't use any speech marks. Nothing is lost and it adds to the fast pace of the storyline.
The plot is dramatic and violent and doesn't side-step various issues.
It's out to shock, and would do so even more, if portrayed as a film - (probably too much for me!) - but it has strong messages to deliver.
It isn't lightweight or fun but is definitely worth reading and I would recommend it. (It won't be to everyone's taste, but isn't that the case for any material.)
'Bulletproof Suzy" is certainly different and I found it morbidly fascinating.
Aurabest,
Moira S.
Gripping from the outset though you have to tune into the 'lingo.' (Not everyone would/could.) Ian doesn't miss and hit the wall so be prepared for relentless gang-land drama.
The cover would appeal to female and male readers, and although nearly all the characters are female, men would still find this powerful stuff.
I was very impressed by the plot and writing style. There were no wasted words, with wee glimpses of humour. Within the confines of an extreme plot, the characters are strong and believable. I'm usually a purist about grammar and punctuation, but I like the fact that some authors nowadays, Ian included, don't use any speech marks. Nothing is lost and it adds to the fast pace of the storyline.
The plot is dramatic and violent and doesn't side-step various issues.
It's out to shock, and would do so even more, if portrayed as a film - (probably too much for me!) - but it has strong messages to deliver.
It isn't lightweight or fun but is definitely worth reading and I would recommend it. (It won't be to everyone's taste, but isn't that the case for any material.)
'Bulletproof Suzy" is certainly different and I found it morbidly fascinating.
Aurabest,
Moira S.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Promising First Novel
This is a promising first novel from Ian Brotherhood, which deals with themes of our times - poverty, exclusion, gangs and violence and what happens when the petty thug meets some... Read more
Published on 30 Oct 2007 by Ann Ross
Great Read
This was an interesting, well-paced work which kept my interest. I've been looking for more work by Ian Brotherhood, but can't find anything yet.
Published on 21 Oct 2007 by PBW
Realism and Menace
This is a book infused with realism and menace. A cracking good read from Mr Brotherhood
Published on 17 Oct 2007 by J Stewart
Superb
I agree with the other reviews. This is a terrific read. I couldn't predict the ending. Well worth seeking out.
Published on 17 Oct 2007 by R.O. Nixon
SUZY FOREVER
This is a great piece of writing. The story is different and has a new essence of writing about it and the author should be very proud in his creation of Suzy. Read more
Published on 16 Oct 2007 by EVO
visceral but human
This dark, compelling thriller is made graphically real by Brotherhood's skilful control of the protagonist, Suzy, as narrator. Read more
Published on 3 Sep 2007 by Kenneth Stephen Mitchell
Ian Brotherhood's Bulletproof Suzy
It never sagged. The pace kept up right to the (unexpected)end. There's absolutely nothing out there I can compare it with. This is a unique style which deserves to be read.
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by Hugh Craig
Hard Hitting
I found this compulsive and gripping and impossible to put down. Ian Brotherhood is a convincing story teller and this shadowed world was so real that even when I had finished, I... Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by E. Ferguson
Bulletproof Writing
Francine O'Brallahan is a survivor. She has to be. Her gritty life in an inner city estate is all too painfully and believably sculpted in this novel. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by ellen dickie
Excellent
An exciting new voice in fiction. Brotherhood is a marvelous new writer. If, like me, you're fed up with formulaic, predictable and self-indulgent writing, get hold of this book. Read more
Published on 9 Aug 2007 by helen wright
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