Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
I'm at the end of this book and like it, the author is funny yet morose in his outlook. It starts as a story about an artist dealing with the art world but then two thirds in changes direction with the horrific murder of a character in the book who is Houellebecq himself. It was the winner of The Prix Goncourt. Has anybody read this book, and if so, what do you think about it?
Re: Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
Are there any pornographic passages in the book ?
Is the murder described in details, in a naturalistic style, like Zola liked to do ?
If not, then I will read it and tell you what I think about it.
Un livre probe tue le microbe de l´ennui existentiel.
Is the murder described in details, in a naturalistic style, like Zola liked to do ?
If not, then I will read it and tell you what I think about it.
Un livre probe tue le microbe de l´ennui existentiel.
Re: Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
There's no porn or overtly erotic passages. There's a Russian beauty in the book, and some descriptions of her figure, and mind could be seen as mildy sensual but on the whole the author keeps a lid on it, which is good.
The murder part is handled quite nicely. No overt dramatic descriptions as such, more cold, analytical style peppered with prose. The author focuses more on the reaction of those that find the corpse(s), like: men swaying, losing consciousness, vomiting and 'going for a walk'. The murder part is a shock in that the first two thirds of the book are going along merrily so to speak, then suddenly there's this break. But it rejoins itself after a few strange pages talking about the police detective's dog!
I appreciate what you mean concerning Zola, I love his books but sometimes there's just too many adjectives going on. Sometimes when reading him, I hear my brain saying, "that's enough now, move on from this." The champion for detailed descriptions must go to Alain Robbe-Grillet. Though cold and objective I once read 3 whole pages of text about the dust marks/rings left on a table. A fantastic writer, mind.
The murder part is handled quite nicely. No overt dramatic descriptions as such, more cold, analytical style peppered with prose. The author focuses more on the reaction of those that find the corpse(s), like: men swaying, losing consciousness, vomiting and 'going for a walk'. The murder part is a shock in that the first two thirds of the book are going along merrily so to speak, then suddenly there's this break. But it rejoins itself after a few strange pages talking about the police detective's dog!
I appreciate what you mean concerning Zola, I love his books but sometimes there's just too many adjectives going on. Sometimes when reading him, I hear my brain saying, "that's enough now, move on from this." The champion for detailed descriptions must go to Alain Robbe-Grillet. Though cold and objective I once read 3 whole pages of text about the dust marks/rings left on a table. A fantastic writer, mind.
Re: Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
Thanks Pluto.
Has the shock done you any good ? Has it enlargened your horizons or reduced your existential boredom ?
Has the shock done you any good ? Has it enlargened your horizons or reduced your existential boredom ?
Re: Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
I didn't receive a shock. I knew what was coming, the book reconfirmed a certain outlook on the present which is, though entertaining, somewhat predictable. It both enlarged and reduced my boredom. I seek hope though there's none to be found in Houellebecq. After finishing the book I'm left with a feeling of being a bit duped. It is more of a strategically written piece of work in that it navigates the shipwreck of the times without really raising its head long enough to see any trace of an alternative horizon. It's to be expected, these are confusing times.
Re: Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
No hope from Houellebecq, you are right.
But some interesting insights perhaps ?
I still remember Raphael (from "L´extension du champ de la lutte") who wanted a relationship with a woman. It was a matter of personal respect for him. Buying a woman would be a personal defeat.
In a moment of despair: J´ai l´air d´une grenouille.
And his friend responding: Raphael ...
Trying to convey the message that he was exaggerating, but both of them knew that it was the truth.
(But R. had at least a colleague who tried as best he could to make him feel less unhappy. This is what I would notice, but this was not an explicit message of the book, I suppose.)
It is a gloomy novel. But at least you get an insight about how people think and this enlargens your horizons and makes you more able to avoid misunderstandings.
But some interesting insights perhaps ?
I still remember Raphael (from "L´extension du champ de la lutte") who wanted a relationship with a woman. It was a matter of personal respect for him. Buying a woman would be a personal defeat.
In a moment of despair: J´ai l´air d´une grenouille.
And his friend responding: Raphael ...
Trying to convey the message that he was exaggerating, but both of them knew that it was the truth.
(But R. had at least a colleague who tried as best he could to make him feel less unhappy. This is what I would notice, but this was not an explicit message of the book, I suppose.)
It is a gloomy novel. But at least you get an insight about how people think and this enlargens your horizons and makes you more able to avoid misunderstandings.
Re: Michel Houellebecq - The Map and the Territory
duszek wrote:No hope from Houellebecq, you are right.
But some interesting insights perhaps ?
I still remember Raphael (from "L´extension du champ de la lutte") who wanted a relationship with a woman. It was a matter of personal respect for him. Buying a woman would be a personal defeat.
In a moment of despair: J´ai l´air d´une grenouille.
And his friend responding: Raphael ...
Trying to convey the message that he was exaggerating, but both of them knew that it was the truth.
(But R. had at least a colleague who tried as best he could to make him feel less unhappy. This is what I would notice, but this was not an explicit message of the book, I suppose.)
It is a gloomy novel. But at least you get an insight about how people think and this enlargens your horizons and makes you more able to avoid misunderstandings.
You're right. It is (The Map and the Territory) insightful at times and on the whole a pleasure to read. It is a sort of conversation with an interesting contemporary mind. I'm sure I've grown in some way having read it and that can't be an all too bad thing. I hereby recommend this book.