Three Sobering Tales for the driest of Januarys

This post discusses themes of addiction, substance abuse, depression and suicide as depicted in the books mentioned. Reader discretion is advised.

If you're among the brave souls giving Dry January a whirl, I’ve got three books of fiction to accompany your noble endeavour. If you're into darker stories, these are for you. Keep scrolling if you want a different kind of encouragement... 

Havoc by Tom Kristensen

A longtime cult-classic in Denmark, this novel about dissolution and despair has been out of print in English for over eighty years until now. This is the story of one man’s spectacular spiral into chaos. Think of it as literary tough love. Inspiring? Not quite. An impressive literary project, but not advisable as a blueprint for imitation. 

Leaving Las Vegas by John O'Brien

An out-of-work screenwriter, after losing his wife and kids and all his friends, heads to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. Adapted into a cult-classic film starring the wonderful Nicolas Cage; O'Brien died by suicide shortly after signing away the novel's rights to the film studio. This book is widely regarded as a kind of suicide note. 

Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry 

An English man in Mexico spends the last day of his life, which also happens to be the festival of 'The Day of the Dead', drinking and drinking whilst all his relationships fall apart around him. A book that happens every day. 

Happy new year!