Alexander McArthur (1901–1947)

Set in the Glasgow slums 1925-1929
Main character is John Stark aka The Razor king
This was a very violent and poor time in Glasgow's history. A lot of overcrowding and high unemployment.
People used to get drunk and fight.
The Razor King is treated like a hero he is very tough and doesn't care who he attacks with his blades.
He marries Lizzie but is soon in and out of the Big Hoose HMP Barlinnie
Razor Kings brother Peter tries to do well for himself and works in a warehouse
Bobbie Hurley who went to school with John escapes the slums by becoming a ballroom dancing champion.

Lizzie wants a baby John isn't all that bothered more interested in fighting, Lizzie meets an older Man called Frank from her work who takes a shine to her. John isn't even that fussed with that even when she falls pregnant.
He does though try to blackmail Frank and attacks him.
John is loosing his crown of Razor King there are a few new up and coming fighters.
Eventually Johns luck runs out he is jumped, Peter his brother comes to his rescue.
John dies then a few months later so does Lizzie.
You can really sense the poverty in this book. Easy to read sad story.… (mehr)