Put aside the ‘style’ - if you can call it that - and really he’s another writer seemingly obsessed not with how an open minded reader of the magazine might react to what he’s writing, but how an imagined social media horde might be enraged by it. And then leaning into that. All a bit sixth form.

Ah… but does M.A stand for Martin Amis here!?

Yes! I love this particular cover too. The novel is a work of black comedy as you read it but whenever I think of it abstractly there’s something panoramic and haunting about it and this cover reflects that

Ha - or a ‘pang’

But the title is also one of my favourite things about it, as is the explanation given in the intentionally misleading ‘author’s note’

Yeah I’ve often wondered why he went for such a deliberately (almost awkward) title that suggests a completely different setting. But then no one outside London would likely notice anyway. The actual London Fields does get mentioned once, I think, Sam remembers going there when he was young…

To those who spotted the LF cover is Trellick Tower and not near London Fields - the novel isn’t set near London Fields, it’s set in West London, so this is apt, but great spot nonetheless!

Would love to be added if there’s still room Wes!

Keith, darts.

Feels like Keith Talent’s instinct for when to leave the Black Cross and ale behind and switch to a glass of porno in the Golgotha is the kind of preternatural boozer-move you just can’t teach.

Love to be added to this buddy - thank you

Thank you for including me!

Would love to be added - thanks Amy!