Martin Amis' latest novel is his 15th work of fiction. Lionel Asbo: State of England centers around a thuggish, yet occasionally endearing antihero, Lionel Asbo, whose last name results from being handed down at age 3 an Anti Social Behavior Order, a civil order issued in Britain against conduct that includes things like begging, graffiti and excessive noise.
In contrast, Lionel's nephew, Desmond, is depicted as a working-class role model in his earnest pursuit of education and love.
Amis is the author of such novels as London Fields, Money, and The Information; the memoir Experience, two collections of stories and six works of nonfiction, most recently The Second Plane.
Originally aired as Book Show #1261.
