Lucky Jim
296
Novel • Fiction
England • 1950s
1954
Adult
18+ years
Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis follows the misadventures of James "Jim" Dixon, a disheartened medieval history lecturer at a lesser-known university in the English Midlands, who, while striving to secure his academic position and form beneficial alliances with colleagues, endures various comedic setbacks and social blunders. The novel includes themes of emotional manipulation and references to a suicide attempt.
Humorous
Bittersweet
Contemplative
33,557 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Kingsley Amis’s Lucky Jim is celebrated for its sharp wit and satirical take on academic life, resonating with readers for its humor and relatable characters. Critics praise its clever prose and engaging plot. However, some find its humor dated and occasionally mean-spirited. Overall, it remains a cornerstone in comic literature for its incisive social commentary.
Readers who relish clever satire and academic farce will enjoy Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis. Similar to fans of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited or Tom Sharpe’s Wilt, they will appreciate Amis's witty critique of university life and the bumbling yet relatable protagonist, Jim Dixon, navigating the absurdities of academia.
33,557 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lucky Jim is Kingsley Amis's first novel, published in 1954, and is considered one of the pioneering works in the genre of the "campus novel," which explores the comedic and critical elements of academic life.
The novel was inspired by Amis's experiences as a lecturer at the University of Leicester, and its portrayal of the academic world reflects his satirical take on the British higher education system of the time.
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Lucky Jim was awarded the Somerset Maugham Award in 1955, which is given to authors under the age of 35 for a published work of fiction, drama, or poetry.
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296
Novel • Fiction
England • 1950s
1954
Adult
18+ years
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