The Information
Martin Amis
1995
Around 500 pages
Ah yes, the novel that the library let me keep, because it had been so long since anybody attempted to check it out. Not exactly the honor you want for yourself as a novelist, but it sounds like Amis was doing pretty well for himself by this point, so I don't think he would mind.
Our two main characters are both writers, one successful, one not. Amis based them both on himself, because narcissism runs in his family. Oh, Marty, you know I kid. Gwyn Barry is a literary darling, Richard Tull is not. This could lead to a very interesting story, but unfortunately, Amis has other ambitions rather than laying out a compelling tale about literary rivals. Although if you are looking to scratch that itch, I would highly recommend The Black Prince.
But sadly, we are not talking about Iris Murdoch right now. Amis is showing off for us with his prose. At times, it's impressive. At other times, it's so self-indulgent that it's physically impossible not to roll your eyes. And once again, I'm left with the impression that the Amis family just has contempt for all of us, especially women.
And I usually like novels about mid-life crises. Oh well, this is part of my collection now.
RATING: **---
Interesting Facts:
Amis dropped his agent, Pat Kavanagh, wife of Julian Barnes, and had signed up with Andrew Wylie, perceived to be a more aggressive agent. Amis and Barnes had been friends but this caused a rift that was played out in public.
Amis received an almost unheard of advance for a literary novel (approximately £500,000 according to most sources) which caused resentment and envy amongst his peers.
UP NEXT: Morvern Callar by Alan Warner
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