Houellebecq disclaims any provocation or satire in submission – BBC

The writer is expressed for the first time in the literary magazine Paris Review about his sixth novel Submit 7 January appearing in Flammarion. He denies any “satire”, while the book portrays a France led by a Muslim party.

Michel Houellebecq is still there where it is least expected. While his sixth novel Submission appears in bookstores on January 7 (but is already available on the Net), the writer out of the wood with an interview with Sylvain Bourmeau published in the literary journal in English Paris Review .

The author admits to “use the fact of fear” in his novel Submit , but will defend any “provocation” or “satire” in this political fiction where the leader of a Muslim party took power in France: it is an “acceleration of history,” he says. “I conduct an acceleration of history but, no, I can not say that it is a provocation to the extent that I do not say things that I think fundamentally false, just to annoy. I condense an evolution in my opinion likely, “says Houellebecq in this long interview conducted by journalist CultureSylvain Bourmeau France, published Saturday in English in the US quarterly literary journal.

This is the first interview granted by the author about submission, his sixth novel to be published Wednesday by Flammarion. Assuming that “Muslims were able to agree among themselves (…), it would certainly take decades” for they come to power in France, the author concedes. Having long lived in Ireland, Houellebecq said he was struck “huge changes” recorded in France and the West. “It’s one of the reasons that led me to write” this book, he explains further.

This book is a satire? I Do Not. Partially, it is a satire of political journalists at most, a little bit of politicians also really. The main characters, no. “But Houellebecq acknowledges play on fear. “I use the fact of fear. In fact, we do not know well what we are afraid, if identity or Muslims. Everything remains in the shadows. “

” I tried to put myself in the place of a Muslim, and I realized that they were actually in a totally schizophrenic position ” Houellebecq continues. “What could be a Muslim who wants to vote? It is not represented at all. It would be wrong to say that it is a religion that has no political consequences (…). So, in my opinion a Muslim party is an idea that is needed, “he says.

In 2001, with the release of his novel Platform is remembered interrogates the magazine Read , Houellebecq had said: “The religion most con is still Islam. When you read the Quran, it collapsed … collapsed! “The controversy was so inflamed. Le Figaro , the author reiterated his words: “Reading the Quran is a disgusting thing. When Islam was born, it is distinguished by its desire to submit the world. His nature is to be submitted. It is a warlike religion, intolerant, which makes people unhappy. “

Fourteen years later, the word submission has become the title of the new novel by Michel Houellebecq, who as usual been much ink even before its release.