Who Would Like This Book:
If you're drawn to provocative political satire, philosophical soul-searching, and sharp critiques of modern Western society, this book is your cup of tea. Houellebecq crafts a chillingly plausible near-future France facing a political and cultural upheaval, with his trademark dry wit and uncomfortable honesty. Readers who appreciate novels that wrestle with big ideas - identity, faith, meaning, and the allure of tradition - will find themselves absorbed, even as they're unsettled. The novel is especially fascinating for those interested in contemporary European politics, existential dilemmas, and the ways individuals respond to societal change.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Some readers are turned off by the book's bleak, emotionally detached protagonist and Houellebecq’s unrelenting cynicism. The portrayal of women and the treatment of Islam have sparked accusations of misogyny and Islamophobia, with others finding the main character's passivity and self-interest maddening. Those looking for dynamic characters, warmth, or a hopeful resolution might find Submission a tough, even frustrating, read. The novel can come off as pretentious or purposefully provocative, with stretches of dense academic or philosophical digression that aren’t everyone’s idea of a page-turner.
About:
Submission by Michel Houellebecq is a satirical novel set in a near future France where the Muslim Brotherhood forms a coalition and becomes the ruling party, leading to major societal changes such as the enforcement of Sharia law. The protagonist, Francois, a literature professor at the Sorbonne, navigates the new reality where women are marginalized, polygamy is encouraged, and non-Muslims face discrimination. The book delves into themes of societal exhaustion, political upheaval, and the protagonist's apathetic response to the changing world around him.
Houellebecq's writing style in Submission is described as provocative, satirical, and thought-provoking. The novel offers a commentary on modern French society, secular values, and the impact of political shifts on individuals like Francois. Through dark humor and sharp observations, the author explores themes of cultural clash, ideological surrender, and the protagonist's self-absorbed perspective amidst societal transformation.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
The novel includes themes of Islamophobia, misogyny, political violence, and suicide, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
As the 2022 French Presidential election looms, two candidates emerge as favourites: Marine Le Pen of the Front National, and the charismatic Muhammed Ben Abbes of the growing Muslim Fraternity. Forming a controversial alliance with the political left to block the Front National's alarming ascendency, Ben Abbes sweeps to power, and overnight the country is transformed. This proves to be the death knell of French secularism, as Islamic law comes into force: women are veiled, polygamy is encouraged and, for our narrator François - misanthropic, middle-aged and alienated - life is set on a new course.
Submission is a devastating satire, comic and melancholy by turns, and a profound meditation on faith and meaning in Western society.
Ratings (6)
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Reader Stats (12):
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Want To Read (5) | |
Not Interested (1) |
1 comment(s)
This is my second book from this author and I'm pretty sure by now that his books just isn't for me. The writing style and the way he writes characters just don't work for me
What can you read after
Submission?
About the Author:
Michel Houellebecq is a poet, essayist and novelist. He is the author of several novels including The Map and the Territory (winner of the Prix Goncourt), Atomised, Platform, Whatever and Submission. He was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 2019.
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