I started reading this with vigour. I love the beat era, Jack Kerouac, Bob Dylan and the concept of an American road trip, and of course the awesome town of Brighton, all referenced or used within the book to some extent.

It seemed perfect....

However, it was flawed in various ,disappointing aspects. The characters were way too simple, with the girl loving baths and dresses and the boys being, well, boys (the bisexuality used throughout, though different, just seemed misplaced). There was no real character development or originality with each character, although some well written lines and sections showed home, others bought the book back down to a mediocre level.

It wasn't awful and it wasn't that annoying up until the last section. The road trip seemed rushed and the characters developed in ways that were confusing, annoying and out of character (from what little there was to go on of course!)

And the ending...my god...

I am all for ambiguity in endings, but I almost threw my book out of the window. I will not spoil it..but I was angry after reading the end... ( )

Beatniks, described as a British road movie proved a quick and enjoyable read. The book was intended as a tribute to Keroac and came out on the 40th anniversary of the publication of On the Road. The book was pacey, well-plotted and I liked the three main characters very much. Litt also writes sex well and if you don't know what yabyum is, do read the book and find out! Litt has written a screenplay for the film and perhaps one day it will come to production. ( )