ANNIHILATION By Michel Houellebecq, translated by Shaun Whiteside Fiction/Picador/Paperback/ 526 pages/$34.95
To read Michel Houellebecq is often to put one's value system to the test. Both in and out of his books, France's most famous living novelist has been no stranger to controversy.
He is an unabashed Islamophobe, as well as a vocal supporter of former United States president Donald Trump and Brexit. In his 2019 work Serotonin, an unfaithful wife is put through some frankly disgusting scenarios, of the sort that feels vengeful given Houellebecq's own high-profile divorces.
Annihilation, purportedly the 68-year-old's final novel, is, by contrast, a very straight-laced, even tame, affair.
His conservatism still underpins everything, but it is really a wide-ranging vehicle for communicating the author's views on everything from religion to death to the futility of politics.
In many moments, he makes sure readers know he has earned the right to keep their attention, winding his way through the quotidian to seek cautious revelation.
Cruising prose brilliantly combines deeply personal fears and sweeping societal critique. It is the swansong of an author who, finally, deserves to be ranked among the greats.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin November 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
British novelist David Lodge was twice shortlisted for Booker Prize
British novelist David Lodge, who was shortlisted for the Booker Prize twice, has died at the age of 89, his publisher said on Jan 3.
A CITY FOR BABIES
After a successful experiment, The City of Babies Lab has opened a new permanent space dedicated to children aged from birth to 23 months.
Scientist Names 16 New Spider Species After Jay Chou's Songs
A Chinese scientist has named 16 new spider species after songs by popular Mandopop musician Jay Chou.
Actress JJ Jia Xiaochen upset with hubby for not remembering wedding anniversary
Chinese actress JJ Jia Xiaochen has grumbled about her husband, Hong Kong action star Louis Fan, on social media again.
Actress Chen Liping leaves Mediacorp after 40 years
Actress Chen Liping, a household name in the local entertainment industry, has left broadcaster Mediacorp after 40 years.
Raising four cats costly, but gives Rui En four times the joy
In this new series, The Straits Times speaks to pet-owning personalities about the trials and delights of raising their fur kids
Vet Talk Check that your pet is eating safely during the festive season
Pet ownership is on the rise in Singapore, with many families treating their furry companions as one of their own.
Learning to embrace change positively
On the last evening of our recent family holiday, my three children were having a boisterous conversation in the bedroom of the apartment we were staying in.
STRONGER, TOGETHER
Good parent-teacher relationships can boost a child's confidence and holistic development
Roaring Off To A-League Adventure
Tan makes Brisbane debut as sub in loss to Canberra on her return from knee surgery
