Rating: 
Summary: Bad Ending
Review: Everything just fell through at the end. You'll be gripped by the story in the beginning, and then it's downhill from there. If you're not into getting some kind of answer at the end of the book, this would be for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointing
Review: First let me say that I love 'The Information.' I love 'Dead Babies' and 'Time's Arrow.' 'Einstein's Monsters' was pure brilliance. I love Martin's work. 'Night Train' though...What can I say? Discussing this work with my local independent bookseller, I managed to convince him that his remaining copy belonged on the remainder shelves. I just hope 'Heavy Water' delivers the Amis that I've grown to love.
Rating:
Summary: Less Than Meets The Eye
Review: For all the talk of this as an "existentialist novel," there's a lot less than meets the eye here. The book dishes out philosophical questions and insights with such force (and much of the writing is good enough to be forceful) that you find yourself looking for something deeper which just isn't there.Really, the most interesting (and humorous) aspect of the novel is its ridiculous attempt to take on the voice of a female, American cop. She seems to have a much better fix on Anglican culture. The grasp of what is America, from our slang to our national mindset, is so incredibly bad, that I had to wonder if it is intentional...kind of joke. But again, I think I'm probably looking for more than what is really there. For a wickedly funny book that lacks all the pretense, has actually a lot more to say, and is knowledgable (and immersive) in its presentation of modern America, _Florida Roadkill_ by Tim Dorsey is very much worth a look.
Rating:
Summary: Terrible, terrible book
Review: I clicked one star because I had to click something, but the truth is that this book doesn't deserve any stars at all, or perhaps negative stars. This is the first Amis book I have read, and the last. Muddled writing, senseless plot, and a terrible grasp on anything American. I am mad at myself for wasting the time. Steer clear, and read just about anything else before you spend one minute on this garbage.
Rating:
Summary: I'VE GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS BOOK!
Review: I got a big kick out of "Money", Amis' novel of the decadent 90's, because I was a twenty-something Anglo-American at the time. It really hit home. Since then, I haven't found another book of his that I like. He's sort of like Gertrude Stein meets Kurt Vonnegut. Amis once cleverly said in an interview about how hard it is to write books: "A novel is long...a long novel is very long." Well thank God this turkey's as short as it is! Here's what I don't like: 1. The character's names. Too obviously symbolic, pretentious. This is true of all Amis' stuff. 2. The language. Reminds me of Vonnegut, which was unique back then, but this is the 3rd millenium already! Also, the more Amis tries to write like he thinks Americans talk, the more ridiculous it sounds when he missteps. Some of the dialogue is just silly. No one talks like that, least of all Yanks. 3. The plot. A not very interesting twist on suicide: a mystery. He makes a half-assed attempt to resolve the plot in some way and, you're like, "Oh, I see, that's interesting...whatever."
Rating:
Summary: I'VE GOT A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS BOOK!
Review: I got a big kick out of "Money", Amis' novel of the decadent 90's, because I was a twenty-something Anglo-American at the time. It really hit home. Since then, I haven't found another book of his that I like. He's sort of like Gertrude Stein meets Kurt Vonnegut. Amis once cleverly said in an interview about how hard it is to write books: "A novel is long...a long novel is very long." Well thank God this turkey's as short as it is! Here's what I don't like: 1. The character's names. Too obviously symbolic, pretentious. This is true of all Amis' stuff. 2. The language. Reminds me of Vonnegut, which was unique back then, but this is the 3rd millenium already! Also, the more Amis tries to write like he thinks Americans talk, the more ridiculous it sounds when he missteps. Some of the dialogue is just silly. No one talks like that, least of all Yanks. 3. The plot. A not very interesting twist on suicide: a mystery. He makes a half-assed attempt to resolve the plot in some way and, you're like, "Oh, I see, that's interesting...whatever."
Rating:
Summary: If you're going to try Amis - don't start here.
Review: I have been a Martin Amis fan for many years. I love his distinct voice and millenial fixations. However, in attempting an "american" novel, he falls flat. This novel only demonstrated to me how closely tied his cadences and humor are tied to his home. If you are new to Amis, please, start with anything but Night Train.
Rating:
Summary: Do not waste your time
Review: I have read many of Amis's books and have enjoyed most of them immensely. This is one that up until now I have missed and I wish I had kept it that way. A feeble attempt at an American style mystery novel with a weak plot line, no beleivable character development and a ending which is effectively non existent. This is a book that is Amis going through the motions to pick up his pay check - do not buy this even if you are a fan of his work.
Rating: 
Summary: A Hard Ride
Review: I knew I couldn't miss on this one: one of my favorite writers decided to take a dip in my favorite genre, i.e., Martin Amos and his Police Procedural. Jennifer Rockwell, daughter of police Colonel Tom Rockwell has committed suicide. Or has she? Three bullets? Colonel Tom put Detective Mike Hoolihan on the case instructing her to find something "he can live with, but not this." Yes, Mike is a "she," a hard bitten veteran cop, former alcoholic until her liver gave out for good, chain smoker who most people take for a man when they talk to her on the phone. Luckily for the reader, Mike is also a sensitive, observant, articulate person. I say "luckily" because Mike is our first person narrator. A few of Mike's observations: "-Make no mistake, we would see it if was there---because we want suicides to be homicides. We would infinitely prefer it. A made homicide means overtime, a clearance stat and high fives in the squad room. And a suicide is no damn use to anyone." "Sometimes I have the look of a grave child trying not to cry. ---it's more like defiance than self-pity. When I don't understand something, it makes me feel defiant. I feel: I will not be excluded from this. But of course, you are excluded, all the time. You just have to let it go." Martin Amis's edginess and pyrotechnical writing are all in play in "Night Train." But color the book dark, and call it noir. I think Pelecanos fans might enjoy this one-there is a similar feel of recognition and resignation. Five stars for the writing, three stars for existential ending.
Rating:
Summary: Akin to sushi...
Review: I liken Martin Amis' writing style to sushi. The first taste is questionable. It will take a second try to determine whether I love the stuff, or absolutely hate it. In a further sushi analogy, "Night Train" was the sea urchin platter. Yuk! Probably not a good selection for my first time out. I'll give him a second try, but I'm not convinced I'll end up liking Amis' work any more. "Night Train" was thankfully short. (An appetizer if you will.) So I was able to sample his writing style without exerting much effort. Perhaps my palate is not sophisticated enough to appreciate this highly-lauded writer. --Or maybe he's just highly overrated?
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