Storytelling : La machine à fabriquer des histoires et à formater les esprits

The reviews highlight "Storytelling: Bewitching the Modern Mind" as a valuable and insightful examination of narrative's pervasive influence in contemporary society. Many readers praised the book for its excellent observations on the role of storytelling in various spheres of power, including corporate culture, advertising, military training, and politics. Salmon's core argument - that narrative sequences have infiltrated these public domains, making public opinion and behavior more emotion-driven - was found to be compelling and thought-provoking. Reviewers appreciated how the book elucidates storytelling as a powerful tool of communication, control, and manipulation, often substituting truth with emotionally resonant anecdotes. The latter chapters, in particular, were frequently singled out for their depth and critical analysis, offering a well-documented and coherent study of how narrative creation has overwhelmed post-WWII commerce and politics. For some, the book was a revolutionary introduction to narratology and new critical thinkers, providing a solid foundation for understanding the mechanisms of modern propaganda and the rise of "post-truth" phenomena.

Despite its strengths, several reviewers pointed out significant drawbacks. A common criticism was the book's uneven quality, with many finding the first half slow, boring, or filled with what are now considered obvious points, especially nearly a decade after its original publication. The English translation, originally from French, was frequently cited as contributing to clunkiness and occasional typos, suggesting a rushed job. Structurally, the book was criticized for its isolated chapters, which, despite individually examining different instances of narrative use, often failed to connect into a cohesive, overarching analysis. Some felt the author's argument could have been condensed into a shorter article without losing its core message. Other concerns included a perceived lack of originality, as many similar works exist on the rise of fiction in society, and a narrow focus primarily on American capitalism and politics, with a desire for more international examples and simpler conclusions. Additionally, some readers felt the book did not adequately address potential reader resistance or a "narrative backlash" against the widespread use of storytelling.

Overall, "Storytelling: Bewitching the Modern Mind" emerges as an important and critically relevant work, particularly for those seeking to understand the profound influence of narrative in shaping our world. While acknowledging its structural imperfections, occasional repetition, and a potentially slow start, most reviewers agree that the book offers crucial insights into how stories are leveraged as instruments of power and persuasion. It is highly recommended for critical thinkers, students of communication, marketing, politics, and sociology, as well as general readers interested in media criticism and the manipulation of public opinion. Readers should be prepared for an academic tone and a detailed exploration of how "storytelling technicians" operate across various sectors. Ultimately, the book serves as a powerful call to awareness, equipping readers with the tools to critically assess the narratives that increasingly govern our lives, even if it doesn't always offer a clear path to resistance.