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Atomised

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( 49,367 ratings, 3,609 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Atomised by Michel Houellebecq explores the lives of two half-brothers, Bruno and Michel, who follow distinct paths shaped by their upbringing and society's changing moral landscape. Through themes of sexuality, isolation, and science, the novel delves into existential questions and critiques Western civilisation, blending philosophical inquiry with a deeply personal narrative.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to deep philosophical explorations of modern society, human relationships, and the implications of scientific progress. Written with stark realism and a touch of dark humour, it boldly examines themes of isolation and the quest for meaning in contemporary life.

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Both are symptomatic members of our atomised society, where religion has given way to shallow 'new age' philosophies and love to meaningless sexual connections.

Half-brothers Michel and Bruno have a mother in common but little else.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The gloriously moving and extravagantly filthy cult classic from the internationally bestselling author of Submission.

Half-brothers Michel and Bruno have a mother in common but little else.

Michel is a molecular biologist, a thinker and idealist, a man with no erotic life to speak of and little in the way of human society.

Bruno, by contrast, is a libertine, though more in theory than in practice, his endless lust is all too rarely reciprocated.

Both are symptomatic members of our atomised society, where religion has given way to shallow 'new age' philosophies and love to meaningless sexual connections.

Atomised tells the stories of the two brothers, but the real subject of the novel is the dismantling of contemporary society and its assumptions, its political incorrectness, and its caustic and penetrating asides on everything from anthropology to the problem pages of girls' magazines. A dissection of modern lives and loves. By turns funny, acid, infuriating, didactic, touching and visceral.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Atomised by Michel Houellebecq is seen as a powerful and provocative work that blends humour and darkness. Critics praise its compelling and intense narrative, with rich, thought-provoking ideas and a haunting portrayal of society. The novel is described as both mesmerising and infuriating, offering a deep examination of contemporary life that provokes readers to reassess their beliefs. It's hailed for its boldness and brilliance, destined for a cult status due to its energetic and challenging content.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099283362

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 March 2001

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Contributors:

  • Translated by Frank Wynne

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 384

About the Author

A poet, essayist and novelist, Michel Houellebecq is the author of several novels including The Map and the Territory, Atomised, Platform, Whatever and, most recently, Submission

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