Anéantir

Paul Raison, a senior civil servant in the French Ministry of Finance, is about to witness a strange series of events in the lead-up to the 2027 presidential election. A video appears on the internet showing the beheading of the finance minister, and there are mysterious cyberattacks, symbols, and threats. While the case unfolds, Paul deals with his own family, including a father in a coma and a brother and sister with troubles, and with a wife from whom he is estranged and with whom he reconnects.

Michel Houellebecq combines a political thriller with a family story and a reflection on death. It suits his readers, and those who like a near-future novel about politics and mortality.

Deep; a moderate read.

Best for readers like The Deep Diver. Which reader are you?