Review of Stairway to Hell by Charlie Williams

Williams, C. Stairway to Hell, Serpent’s Tail

Given his previous novels’ penchant for invoking comparison to Tarantino blockbusters and Irvine Welsh bestsellers, and a plot line revolving around Jimmy Page’s soul-shifting experiments in the 1970s, it would not be too surprising if Charlie Williams’ new book ‘Stairway to Hell’ turned out to be a bit mind-boggling.

In fact, Williams races his readers through a fast-paced plot line and only reverts to the bizarre as a dramtic aside. As a result, the intrigue of this book lies mainly with its convincing observations of life around the sleazy Blue Cairo club and the characters that frequent it rather its esoteric concept – although its originality certainly makes it stand out.

It’s funny too. The wit is often subtle, and those with an interest in music will no doubt appreciate certain puns more than those who don’t, but the events that unfold are often laugh-out-loud funny.

In just one night, Rik Suntan is attacked by a beer bottle while on stage, sees his best chance at the big time kicked into touch, is locked out of his flat by his girlfriend and shot in the chest by a midget in a pork pie hat.

This is just the beginning however, as Rik soon finds out that he is the reincarnation of David Bowie as well…

The depiction of the protagonist’s occasionally wavering pursuit of super-stardom is incredibly entertaining. If you deplore political correctness, love music, or just have a sense of humour, you will enjoy this book.