The Elementary Particles - Michel Houellebecq BOOK REVIEW

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

Big thanks to Ridge for sending me this wallet and supporting the channel! Here’s the site if you want to check them out! > ridge.com/BETTERTHANFOOD

[@muratcelik6228]

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[@louisszafra4361]

"Houellebecq is like a literary suicide bomber." Your quote should be on the cover of his next novel.

[@sarafernandez4920]

He's also a pisces

[@brendonross5774]

I seem to recall a reviewer saying his novels are not so much released as detonated.

[@worldunfolds]

Trying to convince my Reformed church friends that Houellebecq implicitly understands the Fall and depravity of man and all the sex in his novels is testament to the death out of genuine intimacy at the altar of hedonism

[@lesgoutsetlescouleurs7721]

I wrote a review about Les particules élementaires but in french :-): kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHW9pqNmidOdjqc Great channel by the way!

[@helenafigueiredoadv]

I'm from baptist church and agree with you.

[@mechatomb2921]

This novel hit me so hard and I literally had to take breaks when reading and I’m not even half through. It opened a lot of old wounds. The schools, the relationships, the anomie, everything. Damn. Too close. Too real. I love it. Will never read again. 10/10 Like a writer told me: “Houellebecq penetrates deep into the real, that’s why people attack him.”

[@bjwnashe5589]

I'm with you all the way. Houellebecq is a crucial author for us now. He has tapped into the zeitgeist.

[@LUISMIGUEL-ky1fw]

THE ZEITGEIST

[@josecortez5213]

He is one my heroes. He has taken much criticism and has not buckled. His books critique the left and right but I feel that many people are too woke too appreciate the genius in his mind.

[@NorthernObserver]

This book changed me. It really made me question our culture, first socially and then politically.

[@Cuyt24]

nobody cares

[@gero3015]

​@@Cuyt24I care..

[@Cuyt24]

@@gero3015 good for you

[@KingMinosxxvi]

I read this book first at 19. I saw the (then just released english trans) hardcover on the bookstore self and read the back and could feel what was in it and I new that this is one the books of my life. 10 years later I almost did a masters thesis on it (and a few other books). I have read it 5 times at least and it never takes me more than 24 hours. It always makes me weep and laugh and all kinds of other great things. I am tearing up just writing these few sentences about it. It is the last great book of the 20th century or the first great book of the 21st.

[@josecortez5213]

His books inspire me. I feel that he carries the torch of Ferdinand Celine.

[@Tanglw]

While in College, studying Journalism, one of my professors was the official Michel Houellebecq translator to Brazilian Portuguese. So, of course, he used some of his books as bibliography and suggested reading in the classes, so we had some debates and review exercises on The Elementary Particles and Whatever (Extension du domaine de la lutte). Houellebecq was once invited by him to a lecture, initially closed to professors and academics, but me and some colleagues asked to be included and got the chance to see him speak and even get autographs from him. It was a really nice discovery and I am really happy to have found an author that speaks so deeply to us. Agreed on the admiration for him and his work.

[@ellelala39]

Cliff, you're right on with the Huxley/Ballard vein. Houellebecq is genius.

[@makebelievestunt]

'Serotonin' was my first Houellebecq . . . loved it. Not my last -- he's right up my alley, so to speak. Thanks for the review. Added to my ever-growing TBR list.

[@heekyungkim8147]

How was Serotonin? I didn’t read that one yet. What’s about? My favorite one is platform.

[@immasavagebro2845]

The youth corrupter has returned

[@ericdraven3654]

His novel 'Whatever' changed my vision of Life forever. Before Houellebecq I never thought a book could really put you down. I LOVE his books and I wonder why because they leave shattered.

[@GerardoGonzalez-kd6oc]

Since discovering your channel I have read all of Houellebecq's stuff, and The Elementary Particles today since you uploaded it. Thank you for sharing these masterful works! You're the best.

[@steveschwartz3842]

I just finished reading this brilliant book and am listening to your review again, it feels almost like a reminiscence and since I have not yet discussed this book with anyone else, I thank you for it!

[@ffsf739]

Just finished reading. I'm destroyed.

[@chooselife1509]

Maybe I'm missing it but I did a search and don't see that you've reviewed Annie Ernaux. I was in Paris last year, and her books were everywhere due to the Nobel Prize. It would make for an interesting review, any of her books. I just read A Man's Place and it is worthy of a read if you haven't read it. And not to place this comment in the Houellebecq video without mentioning, he is still king of French literature for me!

[@DdRemasters]

No, M. Houellebecq doesn't have any scientific background that i know of. He was a true fan of sci-fi, and he did a lot of research for that book, he read and learned quite a bit (on quantum physics and such) to make sure not to write something stupid. His background was mainly in the IT department for the administration, nothing fancy, even a bit depressing i would postulate. (which fits the character that we know) It also fits his worldview to expose nature as evil as he clearly states in interviews that he firmly believes in a future in which humans "make things better" on that front with eugenics and such. Salutations from Belgium!

[@BrandonsBookshelf]

Man I love your reviews. I have found so many new reads from you. Thank you for the great review!

[@locutusdborg126]

Don't know why but for you I recommend the polarizing movie My Dinner With Andre. I hated it when I first saw it, but now it is my favorite movie. It is intellectual in the true sense of the word.

[@waterglas21]

i love the smell of Nihilism in the morning.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

MH is not a Nihilist.

[@ElShrodri]

I haven't ever read anything by him, but the way you describe his writing reminded me a lot of the Charlie Kaufman movies

[@Wheresnorth4romhere]

First!! I love Michel Houllebecq. Read all his books during lockdown.

[@shelveswithstories13]

How awesome. Will this be a good place to start then ?

[@Wheresnorth4romhere]

@@shelveswithstories13 oh yeah. This was the second book of his i read. When i finished it straight away i ordered his whole back catalogue online 👌😎

[@MrPROJECTSyNc]

Are you doing OK?

[@Wheresnorth4romhere]

@@MrPROJECTSyNc i certainly am. You see 'I Get' houllebecq. His stuff is dark but at the same time he sends a message to say that life is full of problems no matter what so dont take it too seriously. I love when he brings sex tourism into his characters as a plan b. Gets me every time 😂😂😂👍🍻

[@Ozgipsy]

I agree, the authenticity of Houellebecq, even though pessimistic, is refreshing.

[@efleishermedia]

Still best channel to find new tasty titles. Thanks Clif as always

[@dvrds]

Read it a couple of years ago during a nice summer, it sorta scarred me. Every single time I look at the cover, it kinda gives me a very disconcerting feeling, like I shouldn't have read that book...

[@Neat0_o]

Hey cliff. What was the name of that poem about the sun seeing eternity in the sea you mentioned at the end of this review?

[@RenataSantos-qw4pz]

I'd like to know too.

[@BetterThanFoodBookReviews]

L'Éternité by Arthur Rimbaud

[@Pavel1334]

Uff I will be reading Houellebecq, your reviews of his books are compelling

[@Venina1950]

Really appreciated the video. I'd suggest that you upload a vídeo about " how to stay alive a method" an essay Houllebecq wrote about insanity, survival and art. Kind of boomer to any good vibe phony people from these new age groups. Is great. Also a reinterpretation of Victor Frankl positive look on life, very much inspired by Works of Schopenhauer. Anyway good video. Cheers from somewhere

[@brunoliamat]

Man, that book is like being slowly being hit by a train whilst sitting in one's couch. It sizzles, then it rips you open. Also, I think Platform is as great as this book is, even though they are very different.

[@MouAresounTaPneusta]

Just finished it, i loved it though imo it still has elements of escapism from base reality found in the thought of the (in a non-bad sense) elites.

[@lucadepreitere2047]

Maybe you would like Milan Kundera, please review his books ;)

[@ethanghoura5551]

Just picked this up today, what a coincidence!

[@Hybridman7]

Thanks for your review! Ever read The Possibility of an Island? Santé !

[@danilosanches2810]

"The possibility of an island" goes really well with "Lanzarote" since the ideas explored in the first appear to have begun to take form in the second. Really recommend it although it's not as good as his other works.

[@T4wsi5w47w7]

I know you mentioned a few times, but I was wondering if you could do a video specifically on the subject of your relantionship with pessimisic art and world views and mental health. You warn people to maybe not read this if they are in a bad moment of life, but you seem to read it frequently. Are you "always" fine? Or are you one of those people who actually read stuff like this (and other medium of arts) when depressed for a cathartical moment? I, particularly, in the more depressed moments of my life tended to feel awful if watching a film and the characters were happy and had what I never did. Etc etc.

[@musicfilmhead9051]

Love this novel as well. Great author. Awesome review.

[@FlintSL]

Reading this right now, I smiled when I saw this pop up...You hit the nail on the head with the distressingly banal summary

[@МаринаБацман-в5ш]

Great book. Great review. Thanks!

[@Roderik46]

you should review Arthur Machen, probably starting with The Hill Of Dreams

[@r.s.9861]

Brilliant Book! Great Review!

[@modernmyth9050]

I enjoy his based takes on immigration too.

[@shadowpt3]

Hi Mr. Clifford, I’ve recently watched one of your first videos, it was the one about Jorge Luis Borges, you said that you got real emotional when you read ‘The Circular Ruins’, I’ve just read that short story and really loved it. Can you tell me what particularly part hit you to put you in that state? Love your videos.

[@achunaryan3418]

No i am.

[@avenbleak7280]

Do Richard Yates' work.

[@Samson16667]

How tall are you Cliff? asking for a friend

[@PedroDominguesunus]

You look like Eugene Hutz! There, I said it...

[@Sanjay-lw6sy]

Hey, I love your videos, I found really great books through your channel, and I really would like to see your view and the thoughts on the novel "The Legends Of Khazak" By O.V. Vijayan.

[@heekyungkim8147]

I love Michel Houellebecq. Platform is another great book.

[@danilosanches2810]

Platform is often not regarded as one of his best books , but it holds a special place in my heart. The journey of the main character and Valerie where they seemed to finally find the salvation they were looking for all their lives only to have it end like it did always destroys me. Couldn't help but feel I would personally have taken the same steps he did if I went through what he did.

[@heekyungkim8147]

@@danilosanches2810 i know what you mean. It’s tragically sad love story. He had nothing to live for at the end. I can understand why he choose to die…

[@rovert46]

Houellebecq is just superb, funny and acerbic. The Map and the Territory is Frenchie genius.

[@Pretzels722]

This book fucked me up.

[@louizeantiplastique4581]

Life is over at 64 for you?

[@meursault1654]

Great read but preferred Whatever and Submission a lot more. Houellebecq doesn’t disappoint.

[@MrOreo2010]

Nietzsche: God is dead and we killed him Houellebecq: Love is dead and we killed her

[@Manu-ou2rp]

Greetings from the south of Spain! I came across your channel by chance and I love it. We also have a similar taste regarding literature. Why don't you review A Personal Matter, by Japanese writer Kenzaburō Ōe? It's short but very deep. Gracias!

[@danielallred1926]

He leaves me feeling hopeless in the best way. I find i need to space out my reading of his books but it may be time for this one!

[@Khepera666]

Surprised you're not a von Trier fan. He seems to be right up your alley!

[@anuradhajaishankar7903]

This was weirdly such a quick read for me. It’s almost like the more depressing a book is the quicker I can consume it.

[@TrevorMcNeil-e1y]

The thing to keep in mind with Houellebecq is that he is a disillusioned believer in the Enlightenment. A bitterness which has turned him into a low-key misanthrope. As an optimistic nihilist (yes, that's a thing), there are many points where I agree. The main difference is Houellebecq's view comes down to "the Enlightenment failed and we're all doomed." Mine is, "okay, the Enlightenment failed, what's next?"

[@sGaIISNiPE]

Really appreciate the videos, each and single one brings me solace in my solitude, same as the power of books allows you to feel less alone, so does this help. Of course, with the added benefit of some great book recommendations.

[@mainchannel1566]

Just finished rereading the book today for the third time, and I cried at the end (didn't happen the first two times). I didn't understand why, then realized I'm 39. One year younger than Michel and Annabelle at the end of the main narrative.

[@Ryan_Ek2]

Great video, I’m going to go out and pick up a copy today! I’ve only read Serotonin and enjoyed it so I’m looking forward to this one. Cheers, Cliff!

[@mattbrown3091]

When cliff speaks it's so bloody engaging

[@aggelos8256]

His wordplay is sublime

[@AmandaS18]

Agree

[@elmooko69]

I'm about 1/3 of the way through & I'm surprised how difficult it's been to read. I'm no stranger to reading about the darkness of humanity & what people are capable of doing to each other but for some reason I felt more disturbed by how poorly these guys were treated. I will finish it because I loved "Serotonin" & I think this book has a lot to offer, but it's pretty "real" & while that's important, it's not always easy to get through!

[@v.cackerman8749]

It’s not fun to think about how monotonous and tragic the world is, but it’s very good that an author was willing and able to be honest about it.

[@Helios.vfx.]

I'm still crying Annabelle since 2010

[@shelveswithstories13]

This sounds like something I'd absolutely love. Thankyou for the recommendation Cliff ✨

[@sarafernandez4920]

"Hippie parents fuck you up"

[@ed1050]

I find the book too depressing and too full of bitterness. I think MH does observe big contradictions and problems in our modern society, but his diagnosis is often misplaced to some cheap reactionary take. Immigrants, feminism, atheism all is too blame. As someone here already mentioned, MH has no alternative to the crisis we observe, he can only attack progress. For me he is an author with extremely small imagination for anything beyond the bitter and sex

[@dionysianapollomarx]

I love this. I may not like Houellebecq's politics. But I damn sure like how his books sound in the reviews. He's on the for-immediate-reading list.

[@bobbybobertson9308]

This was great, thank you; I will read this next

[@pietrodelladio6145]

Leopardi joined the chat

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

Please make a bookmark that reads: Better Than Food Because it is.

[@valentinvanruiz]

Of course it is. Meaning it is a necessary evil. That Balances what has been damaged. And damages what has been balanced. Nature is God. And God is Nature.

[@williamneal9076]

Holy Cow, that's all OVER the place. I've read Serotonin, but am fascinated by things from 1998 of late. What I want to know is, is your black button-up shirt by FILSON, of Seattle, Washington?

[@davidnorris166]

Thomas Hobbes argues that the state of nature is a miserable state of war in which none of our important human ends are reliably realizable. Life is..."SOLITARY, POOR, NASTY, BRUTISH, AND SHORT."

[@thomaskember3412]

I have just finished reading this novel in the original French. I didn’t find it very funny, but that must be that my sense of humour doesn’t gel with Houellebecq‘s. There are lots of TV comedy shows I don’t think funny at all. However reading Houellebecq in French is a great way to learn French slang words, particularly those to do with sex. There is one quote in the book that stuck me. I can’t remember it exactly, but the jest is ”the eternity of childhood is a short eternity“.

[@Qscrisp]

For cutting edge contemporary fiction, I would recommend Justin Isis (Welcome to the Arms Race, I Wonder What Human Flesh Tastes Like, etc.).

[@michaelstahlberg9392]

When I was ten my life was one big (happy) moment. That was 1959. I lived in a parallell universe of cowboys. 24/7. Long been a fan of Houellebecq. First novel by him I read was The Elementary Particles. That was in 1999. My boxer pup ate parts of it, so I had to piece the end pages together to be able to finish it. Saw the movie, but it wasn't good.

[@meesalikeu]

after all the relentless effed up bruno and depressing this book had the most positive imaginative scifi ending of any book i have ever read and it solves all the problems of humanity. a human triumph of egalitarianism over nature.

[@Ozgipsy]

Always the greatest insights into the books I read. Thanks Clifford.

[@CaterinaVigano]

I humbly suggest to take a look in Leopardi's works (prose not translated poetry) or at least the thoughts. 'cause this evil stepmother nature thing is OLD. Nonetheless I love houellbeq too🤷💌

[@photosyntheticseaslug6028]

By the way you talk about nature in this video, you might like Giacomo Leopardi

[@Helios.vfx.]

I did read it when I was at my 19yo. This book slapped me hard lmao. Still, great book.

[@Daniel_Hochmuth]

This has been sitting on my shelf for a while now. Time to brush up on my French, I guess.

[@unlikelyvoiceofreason9042]

Excellent review. Thank you.

[@miguelangelreyes6921]

I love The Elementary Particles. It's an outrageous, sad, funny and a furious dark comedy of the mediocrity of human life. I want to read another time. Thanks for your review!

[@thechizzamiliz]

haha surprised hes not a von trier fan

[@leadbellymidnightangel]

Great review and wonderful book. One of my favorites and my first introduction to Houellebecq, which I read on a plane some time ago.

[@ChloeFrizzle]

Another great review!

[@r.s.9861]

Houellebecq 💙

[@laraanisere2962]

What a well thought out review

[@bencvideos2877]

YoooooooO!!!

[@ronaldwilliams2456]

Werner Herzog is also not a big fan of nature. Going to check this book out. Loved Submission.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

Sergeant is overplaying the naturr. angle

[@nnnnn2010]

This is the first time in my life drinking coffee watching one of his reviews, I feel proud of my self..

[@arminfeuerkreuter233]

Mr. H seems to be right about everything and that is too scary. Have you considered Pachinko as the next book? I am really curious about how would you like it.

[@m.k.3197]

Houllebecq is brilliant.He is heavily influenced by Celine.His books are paradoxically uplifting for me.

[@ahbooks3]

I bought Atomised a few years ago but have definitely struggled with it - I keep stopping and starting - by what I remember the start is a bit of a slog. I felt like the author is trying to showcase how smart he is at the expense of the actual story and characters. However, I've read and watched some reviews of Houellbecq and think I wouldn't be doing myself any favours if I didn't try to give it one last go.

[@sarafernandez4920]

It's okay to cry