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A review by notyourmanicpixiedreamgirl
The Possibility of an Island by Michel Houellebecq
5.0
One of Houllebecq's most ambitious works, it is in line with the themes of his previous novels. Fragmentation of modern society, youth and sexuality in an aging society, and happiness in a world in which values are no longer what they once were. This novel is comprised of two parallel narratives, both centered around the character of Daniel. The first is the surrounding the life the original human Daniel while the other follows the life of one of his neo-human clones. There are connections between the parallel stories. The original Daniel gradually loses faith in humanity, love, sexual relations, while the cloned Daniel emerges from a completely isolated environment to realize his desire and possibility of human contact, both social and sexual.
Both story lines seem to portray Houellebecq's vision of the logical progression of contemporary society. Each clone lives a secluded existence designed to shield the neo-humans from pain and suffering which has been determined as an inherent component of human existence. Contact with others is purely through technology while the outside world has degenerated into savagery.
For Houellebecq, the world in which Daniel 1 lives in is a world where everything is taken too far. Where sex once sold it now is equitable to power and it't no longer men who have that power. Youth is everything in this world. Appearing young is so important that when one loses the ability to do that existence no longer seems to have purpose. Love is no longer really a part of their world. Science is extremely advanced to the point where people are no longer really necessary. In short, the world Houellebecq has created is beyond bleak.
Houellebcq takes existentialism to the modern generation. I found this book insightful and thought provoking. I love Houellebecq's ability to delve into issues that are on the precipice of existence in our society.
Both story lines seem to portray Houellebecq's vision of the logical progression of contemporary society. Each clone lives a secluded existence designed to shield the neo-humans from pain and suffering which has been determined as an inherent component of human existence. Contact with others is purely through technology while the outside world has degenerated into savagery.
For Houellebecq, the world in which Daniel 1 lives in is a world where everything is taken too far. Where sex once sold it now is equitable to power and it't no longer men who have that power. Youth is everything in this world. Appearing young is so important that when one loses the ability to do that existence no longer seems to have purpose. Love is no longer really a part of their world. Science is extremely advanced to the point where people are no longer really necessary. In short, the world Houellebecq has created is beyond bleak.
Houellebcq takes existentialism to the modern generation. I found this book insightful and thought provoking. I love Houellebecq's ability to delve into issues that are on the precipice of existence in our society.