Readers looking for a strong plot in The Folks That Live on the Hill are likely to be disappointed for there is hardly any plot. The novel depends on strong characterization and social comedy. Excellent characterization is the hallmark of most of Amis's later novels. He fleshes his characters out, showing their strengths and weaknesses in such a way that they seem fully human; their humanity gives depth to their actions because they are real human beings dealing with real human problems. For instance, Harry, the novel's main character, is a decent man who cares for those around him, although he is not sure why he cares.

His relationship with Bunty in particular is a puzzle to him. He is aware that he and she have a father-daughter relationship, yet her life seems too different from his own for any close relationship to form. His good heart prevents...