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Submission A Novel

Name: Submission A Novel
ISBN: 9780374271572

by _

7.3 / 10 54K ratings

Language: English
Published: 2015
Publisher: Macmillan
Pages: 246
ISBN: 9780374271572

In a near-future France, the political landscape shifts dramatically as a charismatic leader from a new Islamic party rises to power in the 2022 presidential election. This speculative novel follows François, a middle-aged, disaffected literature professor at the Sorbonne, specializing in Joris-Karl Huysmans. As the country undergoes a profound societal and cultural transformation under its new government, François finds his personal and professional life irrevocably altered. The narrative explores themes of Western decline, religious and political change, and the individual's search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world.

Michel Houellebecq crafts a provocative and intellectually charged examination of a society grappling with its identity and future. The story presents a vision of a nation willingly submitting to a new order, prompting readers to consider the implications for freedom, secularism, and personal choice. This work offers a keen, often unsettling, reflection on contemporary anxieties and the potential paths civilization might take.

Original edition

Soumission (French Edition)

Originally published in 2015 French French and European Publications Inc

Other editions (18)

What other readers say

Liked

Many readers praise Submission as a sharp, intelligent, and often humorous satire, appreciating its ability to provoke thought and spark debate on critical contemporary issues. Reviewers frequently highlight the book's biting irony, subtle wit, and misanthropic humor, which some found genuinely entertaining. The novel is commended for its relevance and pertinence, tackling challenging topics related to the state of Western society, European values, and political shifts. Some found the prose to be excellent and engaging, noting its ability to draw readers into complex philosophical and cultural analyses. Despite its controversial premise, many reviewers argue that the book's primary target is not Islam itself, but rather the perceived intellectual and moral decline, complacency, and opportunism within French and wider European society.

Disliked

Conversely, a significant number of reviewers express strong criticism, particularly regarding the protagonist's character and the portrayal of women. Many found the narrator to be unlikable, misogynistic, and overly preoccupied with his own sexual exploits, which some deemed tedious, reductive, and flat. The female characters are frequently described as two-dimensional, existing primarily in relation to men or through sexually explicit scenes. Some readers also found the narrative itself to be dull or boring in parts, with a plot that felt labored or too predictable. Concerns were raised about the plausibility of the central scenario, specifically the rapid and seemingly unchallenged acceptance of significant societal changes without widespread protest or resistance, particularly concerning women's rights. Additionally, the extensive literary and philosophical allusions were sometimes seen as pedantic or as slowing down the pace of the story.

In short

Overall, Submission is a highly divisive novel that elicits strong reactions, with readers sharply split on its merits. While some see it as a brilliant and necessary work of social commentary, others view it as problematic and unconvincing. The book is widely recognized as a work of satire, aiming to explore the fragility of secular society and the potential for new ideologies to fill a perceived cultural vacuum. It would appeal to readers who enjoy provocative, idea-driven fiction and possess a strong sense of irony and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about contemporary Western culture. Those with an interest in French politics, intellectual history, and philosophical debate, as well as those open to engaging with controversial themes, are most likely to appreciate this book.

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