The Rachel Papers - Martin Amis

Reading Martin Amis' first novel "The Rachel Papers" it's hard to believe that it was written in the early 1970s. I have read and re-read this novel many times and always find new ideas to ponder but it is a book which I found difficult to review because it is one I have discussed often with other readers whose views are quite different to my own. My review of "The Rachel Papers" should come as a direct response, my reaction to the book, rather than debating points others have raised about its merits or its short-comings and I hope this is something I have achieved. The book's central ... more

I have read five Martin Amis books after I became completely hooked two years ago. I was saving 'the rachel papers' as I knew it was guaranteed to be one of the best..after all the did turn it into a film. However when I got around to reading it I found it a huge disappointment. Maybe I chose to read it at the wrong time, but I found I couldn't get into the book now matter how many times I tried. I found it very slow. There was a clear plot: boy needs girl and must get her. The boy is nearing 21 (I believe he was played by Dexter Fletcher in the screen version) who is transfixed by a girl who ... more

This, for me, was a very entertaining book. I would suggest that it makes an ideal present for awkward teenage boys! The Novel, which is a very quick read, details the obsession of an extremely intelligent teenage lad. The object of his desire? An extremely atractive young lady - what else!?! The book is the first by its author and as such its subject and style are slightly less mature. In this case, this is no bad thing as the later works of Mr Amis Jr can be - like fine cheeses, somewhat unpalatable for the uninitiated. Perhaps the novel makes a point about desire and love, the obsession by ... more