'Serotonin' by Michel Houellebecq is a novel that delves into the life of Florent Claude Labrouste, a wealthy middle-aged man who isolates himself from the world, attempting to relive past love affairs. The protagonist, impotent due to medication, navigates through a world filled with despair, failed relationships, and a sense of alienation. The book is characterized by its bleak tone, detailed descriptions of surroundings, and a narrative that follows the protagonist's internal struggles and unfulfilled desires.

Characters:

The characters collectively embody a sense of despair and failure, with the protagonist's journey highlighting a deep existential crisis.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is detailed and reflective, combining rich prose with dark humor and cynicism.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative explores themes of despair, nostalgia, and the futility of trying to revive past relationships, with a heavy focus on social critique.

Setting:

Set in contemporary France, the setting underscores themes of societal decline and personal alienation.

Pacing:

Pacing is slow to contemplative, reflecting the protagonist's stagnant life and deep internal conflicts.

I wake up at about five o’clock in the morning, sometimes six; my need is at its height, it’s the most painful moment in my day. The first thing I do is turn on the electric coffee maker; the previous...

Notes:

The protagonist, Florent Claude Labrouste, is a wealthy but depressed agronomist.

Florent escapes from his girlfriend and job, seeking isolation.

He reflects on his past relationships, haunted by regret.

The novel explores themes of depression and the futility of seeking to revive the past.

Florent takes an antidepressant called Captorix which leads to impotence.

There are discussions around the collapse of rural life due to globalization.

The book is filled with grim realizations about happiness and life choices.

Houellebecq's writing style combines dark humor with bleak observations.

The novel hints at the rise of social movements like the Yellow Vest protests.

It critiques both capitalism and traditional values, depicting a moral void.

Florent considers extreme actions in pursuit of his past love but recognizes their futility.

The book has a cynical view on art and literature, likening them to sexual desire.

Many readers find the themes relatable, especially during times of personal struggle.

Some critiques note the repetitive nature of Houellebecq's themes in his works.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of depression, suicidal ideation, graphic sexual content, misogyny, and discussions of mental illness.

From The Publisher:

LONGLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE 2020

A powerful criticism of modern life by one of the most provocative and prophetic writers of our age

Florent-Claude Labrouste is dying of sadness. Despised by his girlfriend and on the brink of career failure, his last hope for relief comes in the form of a newly available antidepressant that alters the brain's release of serotonin.

When he returns to the Normandy countryside in search of serenity, he instead finds a rural community left behind by globalisation and red-tape agricultural policies, with local farmers longing for an impossible return towhat they remember as a golden age.

'Despite its provocations, this is a novel of romantic and sorrowful ideas: Houellebecq as troubadour, singing lost loves' Rachel Kushner

Michel Houellebecq has good claim to be the most interesting novelist of our times. . . Exhilarating in its nihilism, often very funny and always enjoyable' Evening Standard

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
It Was OK (1)
Did Not Like (1)

Reader Stats (5):

Read It (3)
Want To Read (2)

1 comment(s)

ColorfulLeo92

Did Not Like

1 month

2.5 stars. This book just went by. Not sure if I should rate it. But the story just didn't stick with me. I hardly remember what I have read.

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About the Author:

Michel Houellebecq is a poet, essayist and novelist. He is the author of several novels including The Map and the Territory (winner of the Prix Goncourt), Atomised, Platform, Whatever and Submission. He was awarded the Legion d'Honneur in 2019.

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