Review of Ratcatcher (1999) by Butch H — 15 Sep 2008
Glasgow, summer, 1973. Dustmen are striking; bags of garbage add to the blight of council flats and a fetid canal. Ryan, who's about 12, drowns during a play fight with his neighbor, the jug-eared James.
James runs home, a flat where he lives with his often-drunk da, his ma, and sisters, who live in hope of moving to newly-built council flats. The slice-of-life, coming-of-age story follows James as he tags along with the older lads; has a friendship with his quirky wee rodent-loving neighbor, Kenny; spends time with Margaret Anne, myopic, slightly older, the local sexual punching bag; and, has a moment or two of joy.
The strike may end, but is there any way out for James?
This review of Ratcatcher (1999) was written by Butch H on 15 Sep 2008.
Ratcatcher has generally received very positive reviews.
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