Lionel Asbo: State of England

Lionel Asbo: State of England (2012) by Martin Amis. Lionel Asbo is a unique creation by Amis, a character with no redeeming characteristics, who suffers from Anti-Social Behavior Order (ASBO). The story is told largely from Lionel's nephew Des's point of view; Des is 10 years younger than Lionel, and loves him despite his many flaws. The story really gets interesting when, through a fluke, Lionel wins the lottery. After winning 130 million pounds, Lionel never gives a thought to sharing his winnings with his impoverished relations, but keeps it all to himself. I found this book very difficult to read and understand, because Amis is English and writes in what seems to me to be and extremely accurate reproduction of English speech -- which is largely incomprehensible to me, an American. Amis' skill as a writer is not in question, it just didn't come across effectively to me. Thus I can say that this was a very good book, but I didn't like it all that much. Some readers, sharper than I, will enjoy it immensely, but I found  it a chore to read. Thus: Grade: B