Comments on: Michel Houellebecq – Atomised

By: Sio

Sio — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:07:34 +0000

I have just finished reading this. I have to say that it was given by a French friend who loved it-I’m perplexed…while I did laugh out loud at a couple of early paragraphs, there is nothing that would make you say “very funny” like The Independent deemed it. Likewise “gloriously, extravagantly filthy”?…if anything Kevin nails it with his quote about it having too many swerves. It touches on depth briefly then becomes base, sordid and depressing for a long while before any breath of positivity gives the reader a break. The scientific side to the story was very interesting at times but was otherwise as the reviewer says – showing off….you can feel yourself torn between not wanting to waste your own time by skim reading the heavier going terminology and wanting to concentrate on understanding it even though you’re tired/stood on the underground…. Which brings me back to the shallowness. The depth is not explored enough, so you’re left hoping no-one is idly reading over your shoulder, all the kinky bits which you feel were thrilling the writer more than yourself. What with his presumed ‘research’ and then writing. Sadly, you can see why people may say “misogynist” but Houellebecq makes the female characters special. They are the most likeable, live the most interesting situations, and are envied and admired by the shallow, vain, confused and hollow main characters. Their demise are the only moments that snag your attention other than Bruno’s constant sexual obsession and consequent actions, because you feel the men’s philosophy finally gets tested in a physical realm. And how they are crushing disappointments to themselves. Most noticeably when they even distract themselves with their tediousness.
The writing style and story is schizophrenic and leaves you with nothing at all: no abiding memories of much learning, emotions or even, real respect for Hoellebecq.

By: cuckcoo

cuckcoo — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:44:58 +0000

The line between nihilism or distaste for the earthly world and another Columbine shooting rampage is tellingly blurry. That’s my sentiment after finishing Atomnised.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:21:49 +0000

Oh the irony.

By: Ben

Ben — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:32:01 +0000

I agree with John above.
Kevin missed entirely the point.
The book is hugely provoking and shouldn’t be read as a plain story of two brothers. There is a lot of metaphor in and a deep labyrinth of philosophical ideas are been expressed. I’m extremely surprised to read such a simplistic view!

By: John Carter

John Carter — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:22:00 +0000

I suggest it is more likely that Kevin Walsh is missing the connections between the narrative and the philosophical points than that there aren’t any.

By: mark

mark — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:58:37 +0000

Finally a honest review of this book, Ive just finished reading this so called masterpiece and I’m astounded not so much at how bland and depressing it is, but at how many people seem to love it. It by no mens measures up to its hype, however Houellebecq does has a great writing style.