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Recently released as a Penguin Modern Classic, Money tells the story of John Self, consumer extraordinaire. Jetting between London and New York, Self, advertising man and director of TV commercials, pursues his first big movie deal, all the while grabbing all he can to satisfy his massive appetites for alcohol, tobacco, drugs, pornography, junk food, fast cars and even faster living. Set in the 80’s, the book, against the backdrop of the film industry, explores the themes of consumerism, excess, greed, the power of money and the terrible things it can do. This is a dark, at times hilariously funny, read. Amis writes with incredible wit, and despite the fact that the main character is revolting, you cannot help but feel for him in some way, as the money that he so recklessly craves slowly destroys his life. Throughout the book we realise that Self has no control of his destiny, and his eventual comeuppance will be inevitable… as a bell boy in a New York hotel, delivering Self yet more alcohol, puts it; “Man, I take one look at you and I just know you ain’t ever gonna stop…”
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