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The Quantity Theory of Morality
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Expected 10 Mar 26A blistering, brilliant novel from the Booker-shortlisted author, elegantly reflecting his Geoffrey Faber Memorial award-winning story collection The Quantity Theory of Insanity.
In The Quantity Theory of Morality, Will Self’s unconventional new novel, his pen remains dipped in vitriol and elegance as ever. In this dark yet hilariously satirical “state-of-an-era novel,” Self’s target is a collective morality that is nothing more or less than pure sociability. His middle-class, middle-English characters appear trapped in a timeless go-round of polite chitchat in dinner parties that refract like a hall of mirrors as the novel progresses, until one day someone says something to the effect of, “This way to the gas chamber, please, ladies and gentlemen.” The Quantity Theory of Morality finally solves the equation of time and money that dominates our lives, in a way that is simultaneously deranging, destabilizing, and hilarious.
With recurring—if defeated—appearances from now-canonical characters like Zack Busner, the repetition of each chapter, or “Proposition” shows Will Self to be both a master of satire and slapstick humor and a sublime and thoughtful critic of the alienation of modern life. With The Quantity Theory of Morality, Self provides the sequel to his award-winning debut of 34 years ago: The Quantity Theory of Insanity. That literary psycho-surgery proved there wasn't enough sanity go around—now he's established what many of us fear to be the absolute truth: there isn't enough good to go around, either.
In The Quantity Theory of Morality, Will Self’s unconventional new novel, his pen remains dipped in vitriol and elegance as ever. In this dark yet hilariously satirical “state-of-an-era novel,” Self’s target is a collective morality that is nothing more or less than pure sociability. His middle-class, middle-English characters appear trapped in a timeless go-round of polite chitchat in dinner parties that refract like a hall of mirrors as the novel progresses, until one day someone says something to the effect of, “This way to the gas chamber, please, ladies and gentlemen.” The Quantity Theory of Morality finally solves the equation of time and money that dominates our lives, in a way that is simultaneously deranging, destabilizing, and hilarious.
With recurring—if defeated—appearances from now-canonical characters like Zack Busner, the repetition of each chapter, or “Proposition” shows Will Self to be both a master of satire and slapstick humor and a sublime and thoughtful critic of the alienation of modern life. With The Quantity Theory of Morality, Self provides the sequel to his award-winning debut of 34 years ago: The Quantity Theory of Insanity. That literary psycho-surgery proved there wasn't enough sanity go around—now he's established what many of us fear to be the absolute truth: there isn't enough good to go around, either.
304 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 10, 2026
11 people are currently reading
3518 people want to read
About the author
Will Self
177 books1,020 followersWilliam Self is an English novelist, reviewer and columnist. He received his education at University College School, Christ's College Finchley, and Exeter College, Oxford. He was married to the late journalist Deborah Orr.
Self is known for his satirical, grotesque and fantastic novels and short stories set in seemingly parallel universes.
Self is known for his satirical, grotesque and fantastic novels and short stories set in seemingly parallel universes.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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November 21, 2025So…this is real?? Word a few years ago was his next story collection was going to be Minor Character and Other Stories - maybe that will be included here alongside “All Actors Have Died"
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I received an advance copy. Thank you, Goodreads giveaways.
This novel was... a ride. The cast of characters are significantly less likable than Jay Gatsby's crew, but at least they had the same work ethic. They spend a few chapters re-living the same vapid series of hollow lunch dates and group vacations from different perspectives. This group is less interested in being friends and more concerned with hookups.
Eventually we learn why we should care about this crew. There's no real redemption arc, and the novel is stronger for it.
I was admittedly a bit lost on some cultural things, being from the US and not England.
Will Self certainly has something to say, and we should listen.
This novel was... a ride. The cast of characters are significantly less likable than Jay Gatsby's crew, but at least they had the same work ethic. They spend a few chapters re-living the same vapid series of hollow lunch dates and group vacations from different perspectives. This group is less interested in being friends and more concerned with hookups.
Eventually we learn why we should care about this crew. There's no real redemption arc, and the novel is stronger for it.
I was admittedly a bit lost on some cultural things, being from the US and not England.
Will Self certainly has something to say, and we should listen.
February 25, 2026
I loved this book. I won a social media giveaway to bag a copy. Will Self’s writing style is unique with streams of consciousness, mixed with phenomenology and philosophy. His writing is scattered with popular culture and political references. His characters brilliantly interwoven, their escapades in parallel situations was vey clever and at times quite hilarious. You’re left pondering your very existence and what life is all about. I liked the reemergence of Dr Zack Busner to the plot. Highly entertaining. Thank you Will and his people!
December 8, 2025
Hmmmm.. I tried. An unusual novel and it just didn’t gel with me. Probably not my cup of tea. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was verbose yet sharp at some points but i love how cleverly written this brilliant book is. The nuanced views from the lens of a middle person and satirical word play of connection, classism through how people connect at social functions and behave. If you want a book that truly makes you think, see how ridiculous ideas can get, experience the people behind those ideas and the endless stream of consciousness that makes you wonder what the heck.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews