The Riverside Villas Murder

I am surprised that no one has taken the time to review this classic--a great favorite of mine. I am not really an Amis fan, finding most of his novels too cynical and women-hating to bear. The plot of this book centers on an evil woman also, but Amis's sympathetic treatment of the protagonist--a teen age boy, growing up in post-war Britain, makes this book a softer, kinder offering than some of his more celebrated creations. The story revolves around a cleverly-thought out murder in a dowdy British suburb in the late forties/early fifties. The protagonist, a school-boy of extraordinary sensitivity, but also endowed with a real helping of good sense, gets roped into the cover-up and resolution of the murder. Along the way, he comes into contact with several beautifully drawn out characters. Like other Amis characters, the characters feel terribly real and plausible. Unlike other Amis characters, they arouse sympathy--even unto the villain. Particularly touching is the portrayal of the protagonist's father--a war veteran who struggles to uphold the vestiges of middle-class respectability and who, when push comes to shove, does the honorable thing, despite the dire implications to his self image. I'll close by mentioning that this book is a period piece. Amis lovingly describes the little details of daily life in Britain of the late forties and early fifties. Highly recommended.

I find it truly refreshing that once in a while one can come across a book that is odd and strangely good at the same time. I thorougly enjoyed reading The Riverside Villas Murder and was engrossed the whole time. I highly recommend it.