Martin Amis (1949–2023)

I didn't like any of the characters and it seemed to be written by a writer on speed himself. I know about the writer's obsession with Nabokov and therefore I don't trust any of the characters. The novel is some topsy turvy version of an Agatha Christie story. God I sometimes hated it and the next moment I was still intrigued by it. There are moments of almost real laughter as with most Martin Amis novels, but most of the time the novel is just grotesquely disturbing. The ideals of the sixties have gone and the only thing that stays is a world packed with decadent rich fuckers all disturbed by those same ideals. Of course you feel sorry for them, but then you still realise that it is all no excuse for their behaviour.

On the other hand the novel is nothing more that a typical English black humour feast part of the same tradition as Bottom and The Young Ones. In that light the characters are all real life actors who become the victims of this utterly black world created by the writer and his accomplice. I have never been intrigued by this version of English humour - it actually bores me a lot. Nevertheless, because of the psychological background of the characters and the confusing ending the novel is worth more than the tv-series afore mentioned.

Over all it's an okay book that at least confuses you and makes you laugh the next second.… (lisätietoja)

Martin Amis's latest is at least a lovely read. This man really loves his language and medium. "The Pregnant Widow is packed with beautiful prose and is narrated in an intriguing combination of the first and third person. It reads like a comedy of manners set in the seventies and Like a Jane Austen novel plot is nothing in comparison with what is going on under the surface. While reading, I knew I had to ask myself who is saying what and why does he uses this word instead of another, but mesmerised by language and style I just kept reading. My interest had nothing to do with the main character Keith. I actually could not care less. While reading I was only looking forward to the next play of words. The last part of the book, the coda, was the least interesting bit. Although it puts a new perspective on things. It is long-winded and unnecessary.

… (lisätietoja)

Tren nocturno
Martin Amis
Publicado: 1997 | 145 páginas
Novela Drama Policial Psicológico

Mike Hoolihan, detective del departamento de homicidios, es una mujer muy especial: voz varonil, no demasiado agraciada físicamente, aficionada al Johnny Walker, fumadora, sarcástica, pesimista, malhablada y con una visión algo desencantada de las relaciones humanas y de los hombres (siempre se ha enamorado de la persona equivocada). Es una de las mejores policías del cuerpo, con una especial habilidad para resolver los casos de asesinato más complicados. Acaba de resolver su último caso y se dispone a relatarnos los detalles del mismo: la investigación del supuesto suicidio —para ella, se trata en realidad de un homicidio— de Jennifer Rockwell, la hija Trader, de uno de los agentes más importantes del departamento por quien Mike siente un afecto especial. Por este motivo, pondrá especial empeño en descubrir al asesino de la joven.… (lisätietoja)