Martin de Haan Books

In this novel - a story of irreconcilable loves and infidelities - Milan Kundera addresses himself to the nature of twentieth-century 'Being' In a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight. We feel, says the novelist, 'the unbearable lightness of being' - not only as the consequence of our private acts but also in the public sphere, and the two inevitably intertwine.Juxtaposing Prague, Geneva, Thailand and the United States, this masterly novel encompasses the extremes of comedy and tragedy, and embraces, it seems, all aspects of human existence. It offers a wide range of brilliant and amusing philosophical speculations and it descants on a variety of styles.

Ravel is a beguiling and original evocation of the last ten years in the life of the musical genius Ravel, written by novelist Jean Echenoz. The book opens in 1928 as Maurice Ravel—dandy, eccentric, curmudgeon—crosses the Atlantic abroad the luxury liner the SS France to begin his triumphant grand tour of the United States. A “master magician of the French novel” (The Washington Post), Echenoz captures the folly of the era as well as its genius, including Ravel’s personal life—sartorially and socially splendid—as well as his most successful compositions from 1927 to 1937. Illuminated by flashes of Echenoz’s characteristically sly humor, Ravel is a delightfully quirky portrait of a famous musician coping with the ups and downs of his illustrious career. It is also a beautifully written novel that’s a deeply touching farewell to a dignified and lonely man going reluctantly into the night.

Traces the experiences of artist Jed Martin, who rises to international success as a portrait photographer before helping to solve a heinous crime that has lasting repercussions for his loved ones.

Michel is a civil-servant at the Ministry of Culture. When his father is murdered, Michel takes leave of absence to go on a package tour to Thailand. Infuriated by the shallow hypocrisy and mediocrity of his fellow travellers, only the awkward Valerie att

In this dark and disturbing novel, Michel Houellebecq establishes himself as a significant voice in European literature. Following his earlier work, he extends his unique perspective through the lives of two half-brothers, Michel and Bruno, who embody contrasting aspects of Houellebecq himself. Michel, a molecular biologist, struggles to comprehend ordinary human emotions, appearing cold and distant. In contrast, Bruno is a frustrated libertine, trapped in an unappealing body yet clinging to sex as his source of validation. Their intertwined stories reveal a complex and often moving narrative. Houellebecq's formidable intellect shines as he critiques anthropology, psychoanalysis, New Age philosophy, and modern society, all while maintaining a beautifully controlled narrative. The pacing and seamless transitions between the brothers’ stories exhibit a quiet grace. Although some of his views are controversial and provoke unsettling conclusions, the work's value remains intact. The novel poses significant questions about the commodification of sex, the implications of genetics on procreation, and the evolving moral landscape we navigate. It challenges readers to consider the relevance of spirituality in a rapidly changing world. This ambitious, bold, and clever work has garnered more than cult status in France, inviting careful reading and reflection.

A controversial, intelligent, and mordantly funny new novel from France’s most famous living literary figure It’s 2022. François is bored. He’s a middle-aged lecturer at the New Sorbonne University and an expert on J. K. Huysmans, the famed nineteenth-century novelist associated with the Decadent movement. But François’s own decadence is of considerably smaller scale. He sleeps with his students, eats microwave dinners, and watches YouPorn. Meanwhile, it’s election season, and in an alliance with the Socialists, France’s new Islamic party sweeps to power—and Islamic law is instituted. Women are veiled, polygamy is encouraged, and François is offered an irresistible academic advancement—on the condition that he converts to Islam. A darkly comic masterpiece from one of France’s great writers, Submission by Michel Houellebecq has become an international sensation and one of the most discussed novels of our time.