Viva Nothing by Rick Rien
Price: £7.99
Pages: 200
ISBN: 978-0-956-78115-4
Contact: Rick Rien at [email protected]
New autobiographical novel reveals the hidden lives of Britain’s everyday problem gamblers
Rick Rien’s ‘Viva Nothing’ reveals a hidden aspect of Britain’s problem gambling epidemic. In detailing the gambling life of a working man rather than a celebrity, the book gives voice to those who lose daily, yet avoid newsworthy catastrophe.
For every celebrity or footballer, there are thousands of people in ordinary jobs whose stories go unheard. And for every gambling-related suicide, there are many more who struggle on despite their losses. Written as autobiographical fiction, the book speaks for this silent majority.
‘Viva Nothing’ records the day-to-day life of a problem gambler as he struggles to pay the bills and keep a roof over his head. Rick keeps some safeguards in place - he’s self-excluded from online gambling - but there’s always a bookies or a pub fruit machine nearby, a new sporting event, and another chance to win back yesterday’s losses.
To fight his addiction, Rick starts writing a journal, hoping it might lead him to a way out. He enlists organisations and professionals to support him, but their help comes with conditions that he struggles to observe.
Rick’s story illustrates the sheer relentlessness of addiction. Even with his drinking under control, his journal helping, and a rehab program set up, Rick’s future hangs in the balance between beating addiction or not.
‘Viva Nothing’ offers a window into a world no one would wish to inhabit. Sad, funny, desolate and hopeful, it will be of use to anyone who seeks insight into the day-to-day lives of hidden gamblers: professionals, policy makers, and those who suspect a friend or relative to be be part of this lonely fellowship.
Description
In a desperate bid to change his ways, a pathological gamler with a drink problem starts a journal. Ostracised from his two daughters, he finds solace only in his work as a house painter, Arsenal FC, reading, and his on/off girlfriend.
Gambling has plagued his life since he discovered amusement arcades in his dreary hometown at the age of seven. Writing in the journal, though, he begins to enjoy the recording of his shenanigans and life spins out of control. Is there a way back? Can he quit gambling for good before it’s too late?
From a reader
“Your struggle with addiction was relatable. Reading your thought process behind your vices really made me think about mine. It was such an honest, human account of your everyday life.”
- Catrina Conway.
About the author
Rick Rien is a London based entrepreneur in the renovation sector.
Book cover image
