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Lucky Jim Kingsley Amis David Lodge 9780140186307 Books

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Lucky Jim Kingsley Amis David Lodge 9780140186307 Books

I’m pretty sure most readers today have never heard of Lucky Jim, that crazed, lunatic’s cry of literary rage against the sheer boredom of academic life in the early 1950s. I read the novel decades ago and recently picked it up again, having decided to take a break from nail-biting stories of horror and suspense. And I must say, Kingsley Amis’s excoriating masterpiece is just as hilarious the second time around.

When you first meet Jim Dixon, what strikes you is not only his penchant for mockery but his incredible ability to pull the most inventive faces. In fact, I counted no less than ten throughout the book, my favorite being his shot-in-the-back face. Those coupled with his irritatable mumblings, drunken ramblings, and blatant ignorance about women make for an antihero par excellence. And the highlight of these antics? A leaden, uninspired speech he must deliver to hundreds of students and faculty entitled “Merrie England,” whatever that means.

If you love scathing, satirical stories featuring romance, give Lucky Jim a try. And don’t worry that the book was published more than sixty years ago. Its razorlike humor is as fresh as ever. Try to decide which is your favorite Jim Dixon face. And imagine you had to deliver that ill-fated “Merrie England” speech. Hint: a few pulls of good Scottish whiskey and you will indeed be merry. Good luck.


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Lucky Jim Kingsley Amis David Lodge 9780140186307 Books Reviews

"Lucky Jim" is Jim Dixon - who appears to be a most unlucky man. He recently landed a university teaching job, but he's miserable. Terrible at his job, Dixon is left wondering throughout the book whether his position will be continued. In addition to his job woes, he seems to have great contempt for most everyone around him, including his neurotic girlfriend, Margaret. Things worsen when he's invited for a weekend of music at a senior professor's home and he meets the professor's son - Bertrand. A buffoonish artist, Bertrand nevertheless has an alluring girlfriend, the lovely Christine. Dixon unsurprisingly is drawn to Christine, despite her stuffy manner and seeming arrogance. Embarrassing Bertrand and stealing away Christine become him main priority. In the meantime, he still needs to prepare a lecture on "Merrie England" that will be attended by his superiors and local town dignitaries. Will he survive?
The novel is a model of dry British wit - at times laugh-out-loud hilarious. Dixon is a fantastic literary character - a cynic who personifies the scorn we all feel at times. As Amis writes about Dixon, "all his faces were designed to express rage or loathing." In addition to his cynicism, Dixon is incredibly irresponsible and engages in all sorts of mischievousness, resulting in hilarious predicaments. Nevertheless, you cannot help but root for him to succeed.
The writing is spectacular - each scene bristles with detail and nuance. In particular, Amis beautifully portrays difficult interpersonal situations frankly and accurately, replete with requisite humor. Although the book drags at times, it's a first-rate read. Most highly recommended, particularly for readers who enjoy novels set in academia.
I've read a few examples of academic farce now, from David Lodge and Michael Frayn, and this must be the earliest I've encountered, barring Vile Bodies. In fact Amis does make his eponymous narrator deliver a nod to Evelyn Waugh.

The book is occasionally laugh-out-loud funny, and especially when Dixon skewers his own academic output. There's a lot to like here but not too much to really sink one's teeth into. I imagine the most rewarding way to think about the book, beyond its comic merits, is along the lines of modernity rejecting staid academe. Unfortunately, there's no character representing the positive aspects of the intellectual life--no polyglot classicist with a broad, deep intellect and a quick wit. Perhaps the point is to lampoon the lesser institutions rather than the real pursuit of knowledge.

Either way, it's a funny book and reads quickly, even if it's wrapped up a bit too neatly.
As an American reader, I can definitely say this book started off very slowly for me, but boy did it gain speed after the dinner party. Amis’s brand of wry humor and dry sarcasm are a riot, and all the situations Jim ends up in are hilariously funny, yet also thought-provoking. I’d recommend this read if you’re accustomed to the nuances of British writing—a few of my friends (also Americans) couldn’t quite enjoy it due to the “how” it was written.
I waited far too long before reading this classic work. Been a long time since I burst out laughing in public with a in my hands. But 'Lucky Jim' has that quality - and many more. The story is a simple boy/girl tale but some of the characters and their English eccentricities are a joy to discover. Simply magical.
Really great read. Several laugh out loud moments. I can almost see our “protagonist” writing his letter to Johns, had me howling. It didn’t end as I saw coming, at least not completely. Really saddened that I waiting so long to read this film and why it isn’t reverted as much as Catcher.
This is not as good as I remembered it, but still worth reading. I found parts of it extremely funny--notably the "Merrie England" lecture--and laughed out loud! On the other hand there are long, boring passages of psychological and philosophical pretentiousness, which are just what the book purports to denounce.
I’m pretty sure most readers today have never heard of Lucky Jim, that crazed, lunatic’s cry of literary rage against the sheer boredom of academic life in the early 1950s. I read the novel decades ago and recently picked it up again, having decided to take a break from nail-biting stories of horror and suspense. And I must say, Kingsley Amis’s excoriating masterpiece is just as hilarious the second time around.

When you first meet Jim Dixon, what strikes you is not only his penchant for mockery but his incredible ability to pull the most inventive faces. In fact, I counted no less than ten throughout the book, my favorite being his shot-in-the-back face. Those coupled with his irritatable mumblings, drunken ramblings, and blatant ignorance about women make for an antihero par excellence. And the highlight of these antics? A leaden, uninspired speech he must deliver to hundreds of students and faculty entitled “Merrie England,” whatever that means.

If you love scathing, satirical stories featuring romance, give Lucky Jim a try. And don’t worry that the book was published more than sixty years ago. Its razorlike humor is as fresh as ever. Try to decide which is your favorite Jim Dixon face. And imagine you had to deliver that ill-fated “Merrie England” speech. Hint a few pulls of good Scottish whiskey and you will indeed be merry. Good luck.