Another attempt at a state-of-the-nation comic novel, but this time feeling detached, as if Amis is no longer up to date with British society. In this discussion I refer to "Who let the dogs out?" by the Baha Men, Evelyn Waugh's Vile Bodies (1930), whether Mean Mr Mustard makes sense as an 80s nickname, and Lionel Blair's cultural footprint. Amis is groping towards a point about nature and nurture and whether it is possible to escape the criminal underclass, but this is thin gruel.

Also mentioned:  The Martin Chronicles podcast