Money

Martin Amis

Save:

'Money' by Martin Amis is a dark and satirical novel that follows the twisted adventures of John Self, an alcoholic and misogynistic director of commercials in the 1980s. The story delves into themes of excessive indulgence, self-destruction, and the obsession with wealth and materialism. Through a chaotic narrative, the book explores the depraved life of the protagonist as he navigates through the film industry, showcasing the lavish lifestyle, eccentric characters, and ridiculous scenarios in a humorous yet unsettling manner.

The writing style of 'Money' is described as modern, adult, and filled with dazzling prose that captures the reader's attention. Despite the challenging themes of extreme depravity, violence, and self-destructive behavior, the book is commended for its humor, wit, and skillful storytelling. Martin Amis intricately weaves a narrative that is both thought-provoking and entertaining, portraying a vivid and darkly humorous depiction of a society consumed by greed and excess.

Characters:

The characters are complex yet deeply flawed, with John Self serving as a morally bankrupt anti-hero whose interactions and relationships underscore the themes of excess and self-destruction.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by witty, dark humor, and inventive language, conveyed through a satirical and conversational tone that captivates the reader.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around John Self, a chaotic and self-destructive film director in the 1980s, highlighting themes of excess and consumerism through his turbulent lifestyle and relationships.

Setting:

The story is set in 1980s London and New York City, reflecting the cultural excesses and chaotic nature of the film industry during that time.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally quick, maintaining engagement, though some sections feel bloated, impacting the flow.

as my cab pulled off FDR Drive, somewhere in the early Hundreds, a low-slung Tomahawk full of black guys came sharking out of lane and sloped in fast right across our bows. We banked, and hit a deep w...

Notes:

The protagonist, John Self, is described as an alcoholic, misogynist, and hedonistic director of commercials.

Money is set in both London and New York during the 1980s, capturing the era's consumerism and chaos.

Martin Amis writes himself into the story, interacting with the protagonist which adds a unique meta-fictional element.

The novel explores themes of excess, particularly regarding money, food, and drinking.

Many readers found the prose to be beautifully written, even if they disliked the protagonist.

John Self's character frequently engages in self-destructive behavior, serving as a commentary on the culture of greed and materialism.

The book is labeled as a 'satire of the film industry,' critiquing the superficiality and absurdity of Hollywood.

Readers noted the humorous yet uncomfortable situations in the narrative, balancing dark comedy with serious themes.

The story, despite its flaws, captivates some audiences with its chaotic and messy storytelling style.

Amis's intricate language and vivid descriptions make the reading experience engaging, even for those who struggled with the content.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Themes of misogyny, addiction, excessive drinking, violence, and explicit sexual content serve as significant content warnings for readers.

From The Publisher:

One of Time's 100 best novels in the English language-by the acclaimed author of Lionel Asbo: State of England and London Fields

Ratings (2)

Loved It (2)

Reader Stats (9):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (1)

What can you read after
Money?

See the list (100 books)

About the Author:

MARTIN AMIS is the author of fourteen previous novels, the memoir Experience, two collections of stories, and seven nonfiction books. He lives in Brooklyn.

Meet New Books is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to products and services on amazon.com and its subsidiaries.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.