Description
Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR SALTIRE SOCIETY NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR
Quirky, hilarious, always engaging and often moving, The Passion of Harry Bingo enters the lives of some of Britain’s least known but most amazing characters. From Orkney to the Sussex coast they bring light and laughter into all our lives: the Sikh pipe band and Wall of Death riders, herring queens and drag queens, crazy golfers and Harry himself, still following Partick Thistle in his nineties. This second selection of Peter Ross’s sideways looks at life in Scotland – and beyond – follows the highly successful and acclaimed Daunderlust.
Trade Review‘Funny, moving essays on topics from crazy golf to rehab. Ross has a keen eye, ear and turn of phrase.’
‘Peter Ross is one of the finest feature writers working in Britain today. His new collection is terrific.’
‘An entertaining and essential read... Few writers are as good at holding a mirror up to life in today’s Scotland.’
* Books from Scotland *
‘An incredible picture of a nation and its psyche, expressed through the stories of the quirky but convincing groups of people who make up the country... Ross has a deep compassion for and interest in the people he's talking to... He's the sort of journalist other journalists would like to be.’
‘It takes a writer of uncommon class to extract the tales he’s gathered here and to retell them with such fondness and respect for the subjects.’
* The Courier & Advertiser *
‘Tales of the Sikh Pipe Band and grouse shooting in Stirling bring home the real life and true colours of Scotland in the 21st Century.’
* 5 Star Review, Scottish Field *
‘Meticulous yet fiercely readable...’
‘This is newspaper reporting at its most distinctive - engaging, quirky, amusing and moving.’
* Scottish Island Explorer *
‘By focusing on individual experiences Ross manages to say more than any straightforward reportage could manage, looking beyond clichés and stereotypes where others use them too readily to score easy points.’
* Scots Whay Hae! *
‘His books really are fascinating, beautifully written... a wonderful reminder of the positive benefits of company and community.’
