A review by lola425
Inside Story by Martin Amis

4.0

Here's the thing. This book is so many things that it would be easy to be disappointed if you went in thinking that it was going to be a simple, straightforward novelization of Amis' life. There is some of that, surely, but there's much more. One of the more interesting characteristics of the book is Amis' use of the Phoebe Phelps character (an amalgam of different girlfriends) as a through line. She's there, lingering, in the back of all the political talk, historical talk, writing advice, the examination of all the important friendships and mentorships in his life, through all the backstory.

I learned so much from this book, had to employ my dictionary, was made curious about the people and books he talked about, wanted more, even as I literally could not exactly figure out what he was trying to do with the format.

Recommended for the literarily curious and those who don't mind being challenged a little by form.