3.71
"Money" by Martin Amis is a darkly comedic novel that satirizes the excesses and hedonism of the 1980s through the eyes of its anti-hero, John Self. Self is a successful director of commercials who is obsessed with sex, alcohol, and consumer culture. He is a man who has everything, yet still wants more, and his pursuit of wealth and pleasure leads him down a destructive path. Amis's prose is sharp, witty, and unapologetically vulgar, capturing the zeitgeist of the decade with its focus on conspicuous consumption and the worship of money. The novel is structured around a series of vividly drawn episodes, each one more outrageous than the last, as Self becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit, corruption, and violence. At its core, "Money" is a biting critique of the values that underpin modern capitalism, exposing the emptiness and hollowness of a society that values wealth and status above all else. Amis's portrayal of Self is both hilarious and tragic, a man who is both a product and a victim of his own excesses. Despite its bleak subject matter, "Money" is a hugely entertaining and thought-provoking read, full of memorable characters, sharp social commentary, and biting wit. It is a novel that captures the spirit of its time while also offering a timeless critique of the human condition. Whether you're a fan of Amis's work or new to his writing, "Money" is a novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression...
Martin Amis
The Information
If you enjoyed 'Money' for its sharp wit and satirical take on 80s culture, you'll love 'The Information'. This novel, also by Martin Amis, delves into the world of publishing and the consequences of success, with the same biting humor and incisive social commentary.
Learn MoreZadie Smith
White Teeth
For a contemporary take on the multicultural London landscape, try Zadie Smith's debut novel 'White Teeth'. The novel, like 'Money', explores themes of identity, class, and cultural assimilation, but with a diverse and engaging cast of characters.
Learn MoreBret Easton Ellis
American Psycho
If you're drawn to the darker side of consumerism and wealth, 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is a must-read. The novel's protagonist, Patrick Bateman, is a wealthy investment banker who leads a double life as a serial killer, in a biting satire of the 1980s yuppie culture.
Learn MoreF. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
For a classic take on the corrupting influence of wealth, look no further than 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The novel, set in the Roaring Twenties, tells the story of the mysterious Jay Gatsby and his doomed love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.
Learn MoreAldous Huxley
Brave New World
For a dystopian take on consumerism and the dehumanizing effects of technology, try 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley. The novel, set in a future society where people are genetically engineered and conditioned for their roles in life, explores themes of conformity, power, and individuality.
Learn MoreErnest Hemingway
The Sun Also Rises
If you're looking for a more introspective take on wealth and privilege, 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a powerful and moving novel. The story follows a group of expatriates in Europe during the 1920s, as they grapple with love, loss, and the meaning of life.
Learn MoreBret Easton Ellis
Less Than Zero
Bret Easton Ellis's debut novel 'Less Than Zero' is another exploration of wealth and privilege in the 1980s. The novel follows a group of wealthy, disaffected young people in Los Angeles, as they navigate a world of drugs, sex, and materialism.
Learn MoreJ.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye
For a coming-of-age story that explores themes of wealth, privilege, and disillusionment, try 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. The novel follows the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he grapples with the loss of innocence and the superficiality of the adult world.
Learn MoreDonna Tartt
The Secret History
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that explores the darker side of privilege and ambition, try 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt. The novel, set at a prestigious New England college, follows a group of classics students as they become increasingly obsessed with their studies and with each other.
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