“First, we had the psychic reviewers. Now they’re just invisible!”
This quip from my publisher today elicited a chuckle from his Irish author.
For the uninitiated, he was referring to the hilarious eruption of one-star reviews on Amazon when my book Downfall was available for pre-purchase there.
These vitriolic assessments of my work in 2012 didn’t hold back.
It was unsurpassed dignity on full blast.
The heroically anonymous literary critics ranted that they had never read such an awful book and that others should save their money.
At the point of these excoriating reviews, the book itself didn’t exist.
I was still writing Downfall and shuffling parts of the manuscript to my brilliant book editor Angela Haggerty.
My publisher kept an eye on these bogus reviews and liaised with Amazon, but I found it darkly hilarious.
I think it was fair to say that the prospect of a book on the death of Rangers by the journalist who had predicted exactly that outcome wasn’t a comfortable prospect for the Ibrox klanbase.
When the book was finally published, there were several unpleasant incidents in Glasgow bookshops.
Perhaps it was those Chelsea fans, up to no good as usual.
The thing is, if you laud the memory of a self-identifying fascist street thug, then don’t be surprised if book banning becomes your thing.
They were definitely channelling their inner Billy Fullerton when visiting those bookshops.
Thankfully their attempt to remove Downfall from sale in Glasgow was as successful as their efforts to save the original Rangers.
It became a stonking bestseller and is still in print.
My publisher has been in the book trade for more than 25 years, and consequently, it has few surprises for him.
However, he has admitted to being blindsided by the non-response in Scotland to Native Shore.
Especially this year where, so far, there has been a considerable amount of chatter among pro-Indy folk about the role, real or imagined, of British spooks in their movement.
Here is the back page blurb of Native Shore, which should give a flavour of the novel’s topicality in 2023 Scotland.
One of my last jobs at An Phoblacht was to look after the book reviews.
If I wasn’t doing them myself, I sent review copies to different comrades depending on the subject matter.
Consequently, the nuts and bolts of book reviewing holds no mysteries for your humble correspondent.
My orders to reviewers were simple enough:
Ideally, no more than 400 words and give the reader an idea of what’s in the book.
Moreover, always always always give your honest opinion about whether anyone should bother with it.
I allowed them a few weeks before I became a feckin nuisance about it, which usually worked.
Today, on the first birthday of Native Shore, this is as far as my publisher has managed to get on the review front, which has surprised him.
For the avoidance of doubt, they’ve had a copy for almost a year.
In fairness to them, this is far better than the complete wall of silence that has greeted my publisher’s determined attempts to get some exposure in typical book industry fashion.
So, why should this be the case?
My own entirely subjective take is that it is a combination of a verboten subject and a concern that they might come to the attention of the delightful Ibrox klanbase.
As ever, just like the psychic reviewers of 2012, it says far more about those hunkering down than it does about this author or his work.
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Phil I just ordered Native Shore. I live in the United States and follow your blog. I will give an honest review
I hope you enjoy the journey
I’ve read both Downfall and Native shore Both are well worth a read Please keep it up Phil
I was actually in Waterstones in Saucchiehall St when some of the clan made an appearance looking for ” Downfull” …I shit you not.
There was only four of them, but the staff didn’t really know how to deal with them, and were somewhat overwhelmed.
They stomped their way through the store, abusing everybody in sight after their own inimitable style.
One young staff member that looked like she was still at school, came in for particular attention, and was continuously referred to as a Fenian c@nt.
” Where ur they” and “where is it” were the demands, as they looked through the wrong sections, the Cookery section…then Geography, books being spilled all the way.
At this point an older woman appeared..told the staff to go to the staff room, and confronting the intruders, informed them that the as was queens constabulary were on their way.
This solicited the response, “fk the polis” & “they can geez a haun”. Glasgow’s finest duly arrived, were subjected to the standard dogs abuse, but merely escorted them from the building.
It was strangely redolent of Nazi Germany. I must confess at this point i was unaware of Downfall, when the dust settled i asked a guy from the staff what the score was. He told me, and informed me it was their second visit, and that the offending books were actually off the shelves and under the counter, to prevent them being damaged. And that is how i got my copy of Downfall, and what a read it was (is). And the rest as they say is history..that being actual factual history. A superb piece, and many thanks for it Phil…superb.
Where do i buy the books in Nederland
The easiest way is to order directly from the publisher.
https://frontlinenoirbooks.com/native-shore-by-phil-mac-giolla-bhain/
Took a look on Amazon and the one-star monkeys have had a go at Native Shore too. Less than half-a-dozen though so they may be losing interest. No sign of a Kindle version, any reason for that?
A feature of the one star revioews is a deart of any detail apropos the book itself.
That’s because thye haven’t actually read the novel.
My publisher is sticking with the print version for now.
Native Shore is just a wonderful read. I read on holiday on Lanzarote and it was just gripping. Pages flew by. I won’t give away the plot but it’s got it all. Superb political insight, Scottish independence, MI5 operatives, an ex IRA volunteer, all set around Donegal, Glasgow and the central belt. Celtic fans will recognise a lot of descriptions of Sevco and their fascist supporters. Beg steal or borrow a copy.
I haven’t read the first book,‘ The Squad’ yet, but it’s next up for me.
I’m glad you enjoyed the read.
Phil I’ve read native shore and it is a fantastic read can recommend it to all in fair Caledonia.I also read the squad on holiday in Sri Lanka by the pool looked across the pool and a guy was also reading it, needless to say we had a chat about it over a refreshment or two,small world and all that, hope you go back down the word mines soon
When I bought Downfall it was in Waterstones in Sauchiehall St. I knew it had been released, but I couldn’t see it.
I had to ask the young girl behind the counter if it was available. She said it was, and pulled a copy from underneath the counter.
I feigned surprise, and asked why it wasn’t ‘on view’ to the public. She replied that there had been some threats of disorder if the book was going to be visible in store.
I asked who the threats were from and she said “I can’t say”, with a knowing smile. She then said “it hasn’t made much difference, we’ve sold loads already and yesterday was the first day!”
I actually bought two copies; a pristine copy, still unopened, and another to be ‘passed around’ to those who wouldn’t buy it, but who I felt should be educated.
Happy days!
ps what’s the delay with BR, is he driving a hard bargain? Or is DD?
It’s a bit pathetic in 2023.
It’s all about Equality, Inclusion and Diversity
being bombarded on the general population on a daily basis,
but there remains a HUGE blindspot with all things Ibrox,
…AND also with that entitled, ‘Windsor’ family!
😦
They fear what you believe in Phil.
Your sterling work on Downfall made you toxic and PNG for media in Scotland. Too much succulent lamb. Hope to see Brendan and Broony announced tomorrow