Set in a British Army base in Germany in the 1990s, Nina de la Mer’s debut novel is stunning. Cal and Manny, the narrators, work in the catering unit where, bored, young and inexperienced, they turn to drink and drugs to relieve boredom and try make sense of an army career in peacetime.
They met at training camp and in spite of very different backgrounds became close friends. Cal, a Scot from the deprived east end of Glasgow has a dysfunctional family and a lingering attachment to the Roman Catholic religion: Cal is a thinker. Manny, product of an English grammar school has disappointed his parents who had high hopes for him. Disconsolate, restless and without purpose he joined the army.
Both Cal and Manny are influenced by lain, a regular soldier. Cal and Manny are young and gullible but lain is potentially evil with no sense of loyalty. Cal and Manny become seriously involved in drugs and Iain, a dealer, involves the hapless Manny which leads to the novel’s main tragedy.
The talent of this novel is in its racy writing and flawless characterisation. The Glasgow dialect is perfection in contrast to the colloquial English of Manny and Iain. The introduction of timely events and trends increase credibility. Cal’s deep thoughts and fears about his religion and his alcoholic mother run in parallel to Manny’s feelings of being a ‘loser’ who has never belonged and no longer cares. Manny’s gentler side is shown in his feelings for Cal and his girlfriend, Emma.
Nina de la Mer delves deep into the male psyche with extraordinary perception. The frankly graphic language, due to its brilliant delivery, is never offensive only adding to characterisation and insightful writing. As the reader is drawn into the narrative he or she is questioned by the narrators: a talented writing device.
This is a ‘must read’ novel of British Army life in peacetime overshadowed by war in Bosnia, where Cal is posted with life-changing consequences. Gripping, frightening, funny and sad 4 a.m. is a terrific read.
Reviewed by: Dr Mardi Stewart - Nr Glasgow
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Publisher: Myriad Editions
ISBN: 978-0956559951
Published Date: Fri 26th Aug 2011
Format: Paperback