The Sex Lives of Siamese Twins by Irvine Welsh – Reviewed by Guy Portman
One night while driving home Miami resident Lucy Brennan comes across an armed man pursuing two homeless people. With little regard for her safety, the abrasive personal trainer subdues the gunman. The incident is witnessed by successful sculptor Lena Sorenson, who films it on her mobile phone. The clip becomes an overnight sensation, and the heroine is besieged by the media. A TV deal is even mooted.
Lena becomes obsessed with Lucy and hires her as a fitness coach. Despite being subjected to abuse and bullying from her tyrannical trainer, she refuses to quit. The maladjusted pair’s symbiotic relationship mirrors a reality show starring Siamese twins that has the nation gripped. Infuriated by her client’s failure to shed fat, Lucy decides to take radical action. Will her sadistic plan reap the result she so craves?
The main characters are strong-willed women, marred by dysfunctional yet very different upbringings. Themes include contemporary society’s infatuation with fame and appearance. Transgressive Fiction afficionados will appreciate the dark humour, incisive dialogue, and damaged female lead characters. The latter is a departure for its experimental and ever-evolving author. His previous works have male protagonists. This reader would highly recommend this compelling and unconventional story.
