About the book
By turns outrageous and touching, an exuberant Dickensian satire of crime, celebrity, and modern culture from \"one of the most gifted novelists of his generation” (TIME)
“One of Amis’s funniest novels.” —The New Yorker
Des Pepperdine is a boy out of place. He lives on the thirty-third floor of a London housing project; while his peers pick fights, Des retreats to the public library. What’s more, Des’s uncle and guardian, Lionel Asbo, is one of the most notorious petty criminals in the city.
Yet Lionel, full of inept devotion to his nephew, dutifully teaches Des the essentials of becoming a man (always carry a knife; pornography is easier than dating; pit bulls should be fed Tabasco sauce). To survive these lessons, Des seeks solace in a covert romantic union that would fill Lionel with rage. But just as Des begins to lead a healthier life, Lionel wins £140 million in the lottery. The money ushers in a public-relations firm for Lionel, along with a cannily ambitious topless model–poet.
Through it all, Lionel remains his vicious, oddly loyal self, and his problems, as well as Des’s, only seem to multiply.
Editions of Lionel Asbo
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780307948083
- AltFormat
- ISBN 9780307958082
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307958099
Read an Excerpt
By turns outrageous and touching, an exuberant Dickensian satire of crime, celebrity, and modern culture from \"one of the most gifted novelists of his generation” (TIME)
“One of Amis’s funniest novels.” —The New Yorker
Des Pepperdine is a boy out of place. He lives on the thirty-third floor of a London housing project; while his peers pick fights, Des retreats to the public library. What’s more, Des’s uncle and guardian, Lionel Asbo, is one of the most notorious petty criminals in the city.
Yet Lionel, full of inept devotion to his nephew, dutifully teaches Des the essentials of becoming a man (always carry a knife; pornography is easier than dating; pit bulls should be fed Tabasco sauce). To survive these lessons, Des seeks solace in a covert romantic union that would fill Lionel with rage. But just as Des begins to lead a healthier life, Lionel wins £140 million in the lottery. The money ushers in a public-relations firm for Lionel, along with a cannily ambitious topless model–poet.
Through it all, Lionel remains his vicious, oddly loyal self, and his problems, as well as Des’s, only seem to multiply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lionel Asbo about?
By turns outrageous and touching, an exuberant Dickensian satire of crime, celebrity, and modern culture from \"one of the most gifted novelists of his generation” (TIME)
“One of Amis’s funniest novels.” —The New Yorker
Des Pepperdine is a boy out of place. He lives on the thirty-third floor of a London housing project; while his peers pick fights, Des retreats to the public library. What’s more, Des’s uncle and guardian, Lionel Asbo, is one of the most notorious petty criminals in the city.
Yet Lionel, full of inept devotion to his nephew, dutifully teaches Des the essentials of becoming a man (always carry a knife; pornography is easier than dating; pit bulls should be fed Tabasco sauce). To survive these lessons, Des seeks solace in a covert romantic union that would fill Lionel with rage. But just as Des begins to lead a healthier life, Lionel wins £140 million in the lottery. The money ushers in a public-relations firm for Lionel, along with a cannily ambitious topless model–poet.
Through it all, Lionel remains his vicious, oddly loyal self, and his problems, as well as Des’s, only seem to multiply.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Lionel Asbo?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Lionel Asbo?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780307948083
Is Lionel Asbo part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Vintage International
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Lionel Asbo?
Martin Amis
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Lionel Asbo is available as paperback(ISBN 9780307948083) and altformat(ISBN 9780307958082) and ebook(ISBN 9780307958099)
Where can I buy Lionel Asbo online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Lionel Asbo from below
Where can I buy Lionel Asbo?