Why people recommend it
Money by Martin Amis is a satirical 1984 novel that skewers the excesses, crass consumerism, and moral bankruptcy of 1980s celebrity culture through the chaotic perspective of protagonist John Self. The book received high praise across multiple episodes of The Book Review podcast, particularly during tributes to the late author. John Williams, Dwight Garner, and Jason Zinman all recommended the novel as an essential starting point for readers discovering Martin Amis, with Garner and Zinman grouping it alongside London Fields and The Information as part of the author's core trilogy of masterpieces. Alexandra Jacobs discussed the novel on an episode dedicated to comedic literature, noting that upon its release, more contemporary readers recognized its dark, biting humor compared to other provocative satires of the decade. The podcast contributors emphasized the book's linguistic energy and its brutal, hilarious critique of modern greed. Through these retrospectives, speakers celebrated Martin Amis's unique comedic voice and his ability to construct an unforgettable, dizzying portrait of urban decay and personal corruption through brilliantly stylized prose.
Who recommended it
- Jason Zinman Recommended
- Alexandra Jacobs Discussed
- John Williams Recommended
- Dwight Garner Recommended
Jason Zinman — 2 mentions
“it was Amos it was London Fields and money the Rachel papers I think is a bad early dating book together”
“yeah I think you you start with the three with London Fields money and the information”
Alexandra Jacobs — 2 mentions
“there's a book by Martin Amos on here 1984 book called money”
“and I I think more people thought it was funny when it came out than American Psycho”
John Williams — 1 mention
Dwight Garner — 1 mention
“yeah probably money I think is a good one to start with it's probably my favorite that and the information are probably my favorite”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
- A Confederacy of Dunces
- A far cry from Kensington
- A walker in the city
- Airships
- American Psycho
- Bridget Jones's Diary
Other mentions (1: passing, ad reads, own books)
“and then I also think it's really useful for Comic novels for some reason I think of like money by Martin Amos or Homeland by Sam lip site”