Iced (Flamingo original) - Softcover

Shell, Ray

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0006546331 ISBN 13: 9780006546337

Publisher: Flamingo, 1993

Synopsis

Takes the form of a diary written by Cornelius, a black American hooked on crack. The diary charts both his grim present and the upheavals of his past - during his life he has moved from New York to Boston and then back via North Carolina, encountering a host of exciting and terrifying characters.

About this title

About the Author

Ray Shell is a young American actor who has lived in the UK for more than ten years. He has starred in many major musicals, including ‘Starlight Express’ and ‘Miss Saigon’. He is currently working on an album based on his novel, ‘Iced’, in addition to adapting the book for the stage with a team from the Royal Court theatre.

From the Back Cover

This extraordinary, immensely powerful debut novel takes the form of a diary written by Cornelius Washington – a forty-four-year-old crack addict. The diary, a rhythmic and gripping stream of consciousness, charts both the harsh realities of Cornelius's grim present and the upheavals and excitements of his colourful past.

In his earlier years, Cornelius moves up and down America's eastern states, encountering a host of startling, enlightening and sometimes terrifying characters along the way: voluptuous, motherly Maggie, loving generous Pia, confused and abused casualty of life Quentin, viscous, street-wise Spartacus. Initially brimming with talent and ambition, he dabbles with drugs as a young man before gradually becoming hooked. Little by little, Cornelius edges ever closer to becoming what he most fears – a 'Vampire Zombie', one of the lost dead souls at the end of the addiction line…

'Iced' is at once a shocking account of the addicts life, and a compelling and often uplifting tale of human love and loss.

"The book is a powerhouse, Ray Shell writes beautifully. The story is heartbreaking, I kept putting it down and picking it up again – it won't let me go."
MAYA ANGELOU

Edition details

• Publisher: Flamingo
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0006546331
• ISBN 13: 9780006546337
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 268