The Elementary Particles, by Michel Houellebeco
Published in the France in 1998, the book was released with the title Atomised in the UK, The Elementary Particles in the U.S. Considered controversial and pornographic, which it is indeed, the book did win the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award for both the writer and translator. I was warned to gird my loins before reading - no need. I’ve read worse. As perverse and obscene as the story is, there is always a reason. Yes, some events in the story repel me but others suck me in with their insane beauty while still others break my heart. The author, Michel Houellebeco, has that rare and uncanny gift every writer wishes for, he can capture a character’s entire inner world in a simple, unpretentious sentence. In a weird way, he reminds me a bit of Cormac McCarthy. He possesses the same talent - the ability to transmit a character’s essence in a single sentence.
My next TBR book? Can’t wait! Under Heaven, by Guy Gavriel Kay. He’s one of my favorite fantasy authors.
In other news…working hard on my new post-apocalyptic full-length work of science fiction. So far so good! I’m off to Seattle on Sunday for one day, then to Montana for three days. Stuff to do!
Tomorrow’s post…maybe! Puttin’ on yer weinnie shoes!
