The Possibility Of An Island By Michel Houellebecq
Phoenix, £7.99

THIS book isn’t for the faint-hearted or the easily offended.

It shocks from the start, with Houellebecq’s cold, stark language and detached style.

It begins with no form. It’s along the lines of a prologue, but there’s no heading, it’s like the French author is telling you right from the start he’s not going to conform. Like you’ve been warned, and that if you continue, you get what you deserve.

Yet it draws you in. You can’t help but read on to find out more. And then the narrative begins.

The themes are similar to his previous novels including Atomised and Whatever – sex and isolation two of the most apparent.

It makes disturbing, and often depressing, reading.

It’s futuristic and science fiction-like in its style, yet there’s no doubt it’s very much a statement on society today.

Intriguing, unsettling, and in many ways unique – you certainly won’t forget it.