Since this book generated so much interest on Returnofkings and in the Manosphere in general (notably from Quintus Curtius, Troy Francis, and of course Heartiste). As such I think a thread to aggregate reviews for discussion of it is a good idea.
Two reviews I found. One a fairly generic Spiked.com review that understood the target of the book is not Islam but the weakness of French democracy
http://www.spiked-online.com/review_of_b...M2-QfldWO4
A decent review but Troy Francis' Returnofkings review hits the same beats and is better.
http://www.returnofkings.com/53588/why-m...el-of-2015
*Note: Troy Francis clears up the English translation's arrival as Summer of this year.
A more political review (as will be obvious) comes from a dissident-right site called Vdare. You will note the Amren/Jared Taylor ads. Disclosing that in case it bothers people. Also a very good article.
One thing Vdare points out that has been missed is that Houellebecq truly excoriates the 1960's student movements, and rightfully so (my own words there).
But without giving more away:
http://www.vdare.com/articles/houellebec...eem-europe
I felt important to share these to get ideas germinating early, but also early enough to not prematurely color perceptions as such thoughts will be distant when the English version hits the shelves.
What jumps out about the novel, and is apparent a staple in Houellebecq is the main character is quite empty. Purposeless, finding solace in sex.
Some would derisively say this is simply the author inserting himself as nothing more than to put down the book, but the obvious significance of this character is a representation of modern life. Which is the real focus of the story, the political situation is just a topical outlet.
Two reviews I found. One a fairly generic Spiked.com review that understood the target of the book is not Islam but the weakness of French democracy
http://www.spiked-online.com/review_of_b...M2-QfldWO4
A decent review but Troy Francis' Returnofkings review hits the same beats and is better.
http://www.returnofkings.com/53588/why-m...el-of-2015
*Note: Troy Francis clears up the English translation's arrival as Summer of this year.
A more political review (as will be obvious) comes from a dissident-right site called Vdare. You will note the Amren/Jared Taylor ads. Disclosing that in case it bothers people. Also a very good article.
One thing Vdare points out that has been missed is that Houellebecq truly excoriates the 1960's student movements, and rightfully so (my own words there).
But without giving more away:
http://www.vdare.com/articles/houellebec...eem-europe
I felt important to share these to get ideas germinating early, but also early enough to not prematurely color perceptions as such thoughts will be distant when the English version hits the shelves.
What jumps out about the novel, and is apparent a staple in Houellebecq is the main character is quite empty. Purposeless, finding solace in sex.
Some would derisively say this is simply the author inserting himself as nothing more than to put down the book, but the obvious significance of this character is a representation of modern life. Which is the real focus of the story, the political situation is just a topical outlet.