The sunset of 2025 brought with it the unexpected but satisfying news that the book saga of Trainspotting will have a more titled volume Men in Love.
This was confirmed by its writer, the Scotsman Irvine Welsh, which since Thursday warned its readers to stay tuned for news.
“Renton, Spud, sick Boy, Begbie, Choose Life, Choose Love (Choose life, Choose love, for its Spanish translation),” says the video published with an orange background that revealed that Men in Love It will be ready in July 2025.
For all the crazy #MenInLove and the women daft enough to put up with them. pic.twitter.com/YHS7Oesqt1
— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) December 6, 2024
This undoubtedly raised the spirits of the followers of his literature, but it also raises the question about what part of his chronology where this work will be located, since his last book made it clear that one of the mentioned characters could no longer continue in the plot.
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Fortunately, Welsh did not leave his fans with nothing and clarified this doubt as much as possible: “Starting in the late 80s, while rave culture was being born and introduced in the 90s, Men in Love gather the gang Trainspotting for a disastrous new trip.
“Renton, Spud, Sick Boy and Begbie left heroin and are looking for happiness and hope for redemption on the dance floor. Each one seeks to feel alive in the last years of the Britain of [Margaret] Thatcher and fill thier days with sex and romance trying to get ahead.
“Taking Edinburgh, London, Amsterdam and Paris, the group approaches an unexpected event: Sick BoyS wedding“says the pre-sale page of the novel in Amazon.
Due to the above, it can be placed at Men in Love after the events of Trainspotting.
Although there is a date to be able to enter its 608 pagesthere is still no announcement to have it in Spanish, but as its readers in this language no: they will have to wait a couple of years, well Anagrama publisher that has the rights to translate it, takes approximately that long to deliver its novels.
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Although for all those who have only seen the film adaptation of Danny boyle or that they only read Trainspottingis the perfect pretext and time to search for the complete saga of books in chronological order so far:
- Skagboys (prequel)
- Trainspotting (main novel of the saga)
- porno (continued from Trainspotting several decades ahead)
- The Blade Artist (A story by Francis Begbie that connects to the next book)
- Marked by death (Presented as the “Grand Finale” of the saga)
Welsh may no longer write events after his last installment, but in interviews Prior to the current announcement, he made it clear that he still has some pages that he wrote that never came out, that there are still passages to tell and what many expect: some stories of linked characters that have raised doubts.
DG
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What themes will be explored in Irvine WelshS new book “Men in Love” compared to the original “Trainspotting”?
Interview: the Return of trainspotting
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to time.news! today, we’re joined by Dr. Sarah Anderson, a literary critic and expert in contemporary Scottish literature. We’re thrilled to discuss the exciting announcement that Irvine Welsh will release a new volume in the Trainspotting saga titled Men in Love. Sarah, thanks for being here!
Dr. Anderson: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for fans of Welsh and the Trainspotting universe.
Editor: Absolutely! The news dropped at sunset on 2025,and it truly seems to have come as a surprise to many. What are yoru thoughts on the significance of Welsh returning to these iconic characters?
Dr. Anderson: Welsh’s Trainspotting has always been a profound exploration of Scottish identity, addiction, and the struggles of urban life. By introducing Men in Love, he’s not just revisiting beloved characters like Renton, Spud, Sick Boy, and Begbie, but he’s also bringing these themes into a new context—love and relationships.It’ll be fascinating to see how these characters evolve.
Editor: Very true! The tagline, “Choose Life, choose Love,” suggests a fresh narrative drive. Do you think this shift could reshape how we perceive these characters?
Dr. Anderson: Definitely! The original narrative was steeped heavily in addiction and nihilism, which powerfully defined the characters. Now, with the introduction of love—especially in a romantic context—we might see vulnerabilities and complexities we hadn’t explored before. It could lead to some compelling character development.
Editor: that’s an captivating perspective. Given that Welsh hinted at forthcoming news in a somewhat mysterious manner, do you think this was a strategic choice to reignite interest in the saga?
Dr. Anderson: I believe so. Welsh has always had a flair for the dramatic, both in his writing and his public persona. By teasing this announcement, he generates anticipation, engaging fans who may have moved on from the series. This kind of buzz is crucial for reviving a literary series after such a long hiatus.
Editor: He certainly knows how to keep his audience hooked! tell us, what do you think the reception of Men in Love will be among die-hard fans versus new readers?
Dr. Anderson: For die-hard fans, there will surely be a mix of nostalgia and excitement. They have a deep emotional connection with the characters and the original messages of Trainspotting. Though, new readers might find themselves curious about these characters and the changes in their lives without having the context of the previous volumes. This could be a fantastic opportunity for Welsh to attract a new audience.
Editor: That’s a great point! Is there anything in particular you’re hoping to see in this new installment?
Dr. Anderson: I’d love to see a blend of humor and harsh realities that Welsh does so well. It will be crucial to balance the darker themes inherent in the Trainspotting narrative with the lightness that love can bring. I’d also like to see how Welsh addresses the social and political landscape of contemporary Scotland,which has evolved significantly as the original books.
Editor: Those are some rich narrative possibilities! how do you foresee Men in Love influencing future Scottish literature or even the genre of contemporary fiction?
Dr. Anderson: Welsh has always been a trailblazer in his depictions of Scottish life. The themes of love versus societal expectations could resonate with a new generation of readers and writers alike. If he handles it well,it could set a precedent for the exploration of love and emotional depth in a genre often defined by gritty realism. We might even see a shift in how contemporary fiction approaches these themes moving forward.
Editor: Exciting times ahead, without a doubt! Thank you, Dr. Anderson, for sharing your insights. We look forward to Men in Love and can’t wait to discuss it further upon its release!
Dr.Anderson: Thank you! I’m eager to see how this new chapter unfolds for Renton, Spud, and the rest. It’s bound to be a thrilling ride!