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Publisher's Summary

A master not only of fiction but also of fiercely controversial political engagement, Martin Amis here gathers 14 pieces that constitute an evolving, provocative, and insightful examination of the most momentous event of our time.

At the heart of this collection is the long essay "Terror and Boredom", an unsparing analysis of Islamic fundamentalism and the West's flummoxed response to it; other pieces address the invasion of Iraq, the realities of Iran, and Tony Blair's lingering departure from Downing Street (and also his trips to Washington and Iraq).

Whether lambasted for his refusal to kowtow to Muslim pieties or hailed for his common sense, wide reading, and astute perspective, Amis is indisputably a great pleasure to hear - informed, elegant, surprising - and this collection a resounding contemplation of the relentless, manifold dangers we suddenly find ourselves living with.

As an added bonus, when you purchase our Audible Modern Vanguard production of Martin Amis' book, you'll also get an exclusive Jim Atlas interview that begins when the audiobook ends.

©2008 Martin Amis (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic Reviews

"Amis's concerns are cultural and aesthetic as well as existential: terrorism threatens a reign of boredom in the guise of tedious airport security protocols, pedantic conspiracy theories and the dogma-shackled dependent mind fostered by Islamist theocracy. As much as Amis's opinions are scathing, blunt and occasionally strident, his prose is subtle, elegant and witty - and certainly never boring." (Publishers Weekly)
"Powerful and prescient. . . . Behind the endlessly inventive language [is] an intellectual rigor based on an unwavering belief in the power of reason." (Financial Times)
"The Second Plane bristles with intelligence [and] snaps and snarls." (The Washington Post)

What listeners say about The Second Plane

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Roy
  • 27-05-2010

The Second Plane

Here Martin Amis departs from fiction, per se, to share his thougths (in commentary and short story) about the attacks of 9/11. You may or may not agree with his politics, but the insights he provides into 9/11,Islamism, and life under threat will open your mind.

Almost a decade has transpired since that day. Nothing has been the same since. Amis here helps understand better what happened and its impact on our day-to-day thinking.

Well written, wonderfully read by Nick Sullican, and enlightening.

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  • P.C.
  • 14-10-2020

Truly great book, truly terrible naration

In many ways I prefer Amis's non-fiction to his fiction, and this book illustrates why. It's quite superb, thought-provoking, and fizzles on the page (or headphones). BUT, the narrator!! Why they would choose to use an American narrator for a quintessentially English writer like Amis (even though, yes, he lives in New York), I just don't understand. Please, please re-record it! Stephen Fry?

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  • jesse
  • 13-11-2014

Narration ruins this one

What would have made The Second Plane better?

better narration

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

I'm going to have to get back with you after I read the paper version.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Nick Sullivan?

Hmmmmm . . . yes.

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  • John A. Williams
  • 29-10-2016

No good at all

This book was the worst book that I've had ever heard. Don't bye this book save your money.

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  • Tom
  • 02-02-2017

You have to get over the narrator but worth it

If you could sum up The Second Plane in three words, what would they be?

Stick with it

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Second Plane?

Amis's incisive intellect

What does Nick Sullivan bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Nothing, I sent my first copy back because I disliked his accent/style so much. I stuck with it though and the content is at times brilliant. I bought it again

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, too much too think about

Any additional comments?

Excellent

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  • Trebor
  • 25-06-2014

Fabulous

I loved this book. And the narrator has a wonderful voice, just right for these kind of articles.
Very well spoken and thoughtful.

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