Lanzarote - Tapa dura

Houellebecq's last two novels have received high profile praise and outrage in equal measure, but just possibly (the manuscript is unavailable) this new one may be read and enjoyed/discarded without great fuss. This is because there are signs of Houellebecq already having set out his vision of the world in previous novels, the pr cis for this having loud echoes of Platform with its discourses on sex, politics and religion through the filter of tourism. However, the religion which features in this tale is the 'azraelian' sect, preparing for humanity to be regenerated by extra-terrestrials. Less controversial-sounding than his views on Islam, but sure to be as fascinating and uncomfortable a read as the previous work of (whatever your opinion of the man) a genuinely remarkable writer.

In the follow-up to his hugely successful and Impac award-winning Atomised, Michel Houellebecq explores the hedonism of Lanzarote, the archetypal holiday island, in a book that is as blisteringly funny and acid as his novel. In the sector of the holiday market that caters for sun, sangria and house music, not to mention sex, Lanzarote rivals Corfu and Ibiza. Tourism in Lanzarote remains resolutely ungreen and certainly wholly uncultural, 21st century hedonism, set in a bizarre lunar landscape - Martian, according to the travel agent. On Lanzarote, one can meet some fascinating human specimens - notably Pam and Barbara, 'non-exclusive' German lesbians - who can give rise to some interesting combinations. Will they succeed in seducing Rudi, the police inspector from Luxembourg, currently living in exile in Brussels. Or will he join the 'azraelian' sect, as they prepare for humanity to be regenerated by extra-terrestrials? As for our narrator, will he consider his week's holiday on the island a success?