Raw Spirit
From WhIsKI
Raw Spirit: In Search of the Perfect Dram
Raw Spirit: In Search of the Perfect Dram is a non-fiction work by Ian Banks, my favourite British Sci-Fi writer. It details his travels while working on a commissioned book about whisky. The book is about the writing of the book.
My God can't this boy shut up about himself?!? It reads more like, "I've always wanted to write about myself, but since I only write fiction I'm kinda stumped, 'cause I'm non-fiction. Hey, here's a non-fiction book I've been asked to write. Since I'm non-fiction it should be about me."
It's not like he's had a particularly exciting life. He just made lots of money from his other books (yeah, I contributed), is Scottish, and likes buying fast cars and expensive booze. Which is the reason I enjoyed the book. He writes mostly about fast cars, driving in them in Scotland, and his drinking experiences. Oh, and he throws in a few interesting comments about his fictional books which could only possibly be interesting to his fans. So I'm OK there.
It may have been far more efficient if Ian and I (I can call him by his first name, can't I? I feel like I know the guy better than my own brother. His friends are my friends.) just went to the pub and chatted. I'm certain no-one else other than me could share as many of his interests.
Tragically for Ian, I just finished reading Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson, a chap who actually can write a damn good travel log. And not just because he's a good writer. Mr. Bryson is a good observer.
And did I mention Mr. Bryson is a good writer. Ian should get a new editor. Too often he starts with one thought, like I have one now, they are so hard to finish.
His descriptions of the cars he drives on his quest, and the cars he's wrecked in the past, is automotive-magazine detailed. They are only topped by the detail he gives of the Wee Great Roads he uses to get to the distilleries. Or should I say, the distilleries he uses as an excuse to drive the Wee Great Roads? But sadly there is not much detail about the distilleries. They are only the point of the book. No reason to fuss over them.
BTW, whether you want to or not, you'll also learn about Ian's opinions about the War in Iraq and the drug policies of his homeland -- clearly the Scots are suffering under the heavy hand of a puritanical state.
Oh, I shouldn't be so mean. He learns a few interesting facts on his travels that he worked into his story. Drambuie is from Broadford on Skye. I did not know that. And I've stayed in Broadford. And, interestingly, Ian and I seem to share preferences in whisky. So you Speyside-lovers beware.
Does he ever find his "perfect dram"? I don't want to give away the ending. But I will because it is so bloody obvious. He finally gets down to discussing the point of the book in the last page or two and comes up with the insightful conclusion that the perfect dram is a personal thing and there are lots of really good whisky in Scotland. Thanks Ian.
