Review from a Transgressive Fiction Fan
I’m just going to come out and say it, John Self is the best character in literature written in the twentieth century; well to me he is anyway. The voice Martin Amis gives him is one of grit, lust, and obsession, a voice that’s true, real, hilariously comical and enlightening. I want to write a full review but I have a hangover from reading “Money”, so soon! I’m noting going to write full review.
“Insightful” Review from a Mainstream Reader
A massively, shamefully over-rated book. It is described as a satire but it is hard to avoid concluding that it is an egotistical (who includes them self as a character?) and autobiographical that strips it of any veneer if supposed irony. The glamour of sin remains deeply attractive to the author to the end, while it’s story arc towards a supposed new found redemption and morality is unconvincing and cynical. I found it an unpleasant visit into the perverted mind of the author and I couldn’t wait to leave.