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The Map and the Territory

By Michel Houellebecq
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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
The Map and the Territory, by Michel Houellebecq, is a thought-provoking exploration of art, commerce, and the complexities of modern life. The story follows a successful artist named Jed Martin, whose work unexpectedly skyrockets his fame and fortune. As his life intertwines with a version of the author, Houellebecq himself, the novel delves into themes of authenticity and meaning in an increasingly image-driven world.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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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 appreciate a satirical look at contemporary society through the lens of art and relationships. Set in the world of modern art, it delves into themes of life, death, and the search for meaning, with a touch of dark humour and philosophical reflection. Fans of intricate character development and existential musings will likely find it intriguing.

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But, his boiler is still broken, his ailing father flirts with oblivion and, worst of all, he is contacted by an inspector requiring his help in solving an unspeakable, atrocious and gruesome crime, involving none other than celebrated novelist Michel Houellebecq...

Shortlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2013.

Part thriller, part satire, Houellebecq's prize winning and critically acclaimed new novel will be a publishing sensation

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

Part thriller, part satire, the critically acclaimed latest novel by the winner of the Prix Goncourt is quintessential Houellebecq and perhaps his best yet.

Artist Jed Martin emerges from a ten-year hiatus with good news. It has nothing to do with his broken boiler, the approach of another lamentably awkward Christmas dinner with his father or the memory of his doomed love affair with the beautiful Olga. It is that, for his new exhibition, he has secured the involvement of none other than celebrated novelist Michel Houellebecq.

The exhibition brings Jed new levels of global fame. But, his boiler is still broken, his ailing father flirts with oblivion and, worst of all, he is contacted by an inspector requiring his help in solving an unspeakable, atrocious and gruesome crime, involving none other than celebrated novelist Michel Houellebecq...

Shortlisted for the IMPAC Dublin Literary Award 2013.

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?

Michel Houellebecq's novel is praised for its satirical and self-parodic nature, with reviewers noting its wit and erudition. The Daily Telegraph considers it a delicious satire, while The Times describes it as an acerbic riff on art and celebrity. The Evening Standard commends its dark inventiveness, and the Spectator lauds it as the best new novel of the year, despite its inherent pessimism. The Observer highlights its originality as both impressive and beguiling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099554578

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 215g

Pages: 304

Collections

Fiction Fiction in Translation General Fiction Literary Fiction Michel Houellebecq Penguin Books

About the Author

Michel Houellebecq is a poet, essayist and novelist. He is the author of several novels including The Map and the Territory (winner of the Prix Goncourt), Atomised, Platform, Whatever and Submission. He was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 2019.

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