Super Short Summary

In Martin Amis's The Rachel Papers, Charles Highway, a neurotic and cynical teenage boy, navigates the complexities of transitioning to adulthood while preparing for Oxford. He attempts to seduce an older woman, Rachel, to escape his adolescence and achieve maturity. The novel traces Charles's evolving relationships, capturing his self-exploration and the unexpected depth of his feelings for Rachel. The book contains sensitive topics, including dysfunctional family dynamics and sexual exploration.