Set in 2022 this short satirical novel tells of the changes that occur in French society when the Muslim Brotherhood Party form a coalition government with the Socialists and Conservatives.
The central character, Francois, is a single, middle aged lecturer at the Sorbonne in Paris. He is also bored, depressed and living an empty life. Forced into early retirement by the new regime Francois travels to areas of rural France to see if he can find meaning in his life. Returning to Paris having failed to do so he is offered the chance to change his circumstances for the better by accepting an elevated position at the university that is offered to him in exchange for converting to Islam. The novel ends with his contemplation of this change.
I'm a huge fan of Houllebeque and I loved Submission. The scenario he describes is one of those that is unlikely to occur but one that could quite possibly come to pass.
While it is a short book it isn't a quick read as it presents many ideas and questions that you want to think about in more depth. Having said that it's not at all dull, in fact it is a very funny book that amused me greatly and is very well written.
Recommended.
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