The Busconductor Hines

Hines lives in a crappy flat with no bathrub. He conducts a city bus (he's not passed the driving test, indeed he doesn't even have a driver's license). His job is mind-numbingly boring, his supervisors are daft, and his life is just one lousy day after another. The weather is horrid. His companions tell the stupidest and worst jokes and tales.R. Hines regularly shows up late for work, or forgets his hat, and is always in trouble with his supervisors. He's regularly skipping work for one reason or another. Always on the brink of being canned. Still, he has a lovely wife (who is understandably upset with his work performance), and a charming little toddler boy. They're not going anywhere fast. Hines wants a better life for his family, but they're not going to get it. Your man Hines, though, he's got a brain, and a biting sense of humor. This, along with a bit of drink, gets him through each day. Some have written that Irvine Welsh (_Trainspotting_) read _The Busconductor Hines_, which demonstrated to him the possibility of writing in his own Scottish voice, about the real people of Scotland. I can believe that. James Kelman has created one of the greatest characters you'll ever read-- Rabbie Hines. ken32