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One of the books that are hard to read but once you're done, you just would like to read them again. It is just too beautiful that the fulfillment that you get from it is indescribable. My first time to read a Martin Amis book and definitely will not be the last.

Despite the many references that probably only Londoners or New Yorkers (two settings of the story) might be familiar with, the staccato narration and John Self's vicious vices (those I cannot relate with except of course good food), the playful tone and the narration towards the end are simply brilliant. If you stop reading before reaching the last page of the book, I can understand if you dish this book out as a failure. What I am trying to say is this: you have to read all the pages to appreciate the book's riveting beauty.

There are many unforgettable (because they are witty and unconventional yet profound) quotes and will take me a long time to type in here. There is just this passage that struck me most: "I don't see Terry Linex any more because he owes me money. I don't see Alec Llewellyn any more because he owes me money. I don't see Barry Self any more because he owes me money." Reason: I can substitute my friends' names in those statements. I lost friends because they borrowed from me. Wait, some of them might be reading this review. I hope they get the message and they pay me so they'll have the courage to show their faces again and we can continue our friendships. I do miss you, Clare, Ace, Patrick, Zonnie, Enchong and Enteng. I enjoyed your friendships and it was my fault, I lent you some money. This book is true then. Money can destroy people.

Anyway, this book is for tough readers. Not for everyone. But believe you me, this is worth all your time.