The Possibility of an Island

Book Description

A worldwide phenomenon and the most famous French novelist since Camus, Michel Houellebecq now delivers his magnum opus—a tale of our present circumstances told from the future, when humanity as we know it has vanished.

Having made a fortune producing comedies that skewer mankind’s consumerism, religious fundamentalism, sexual profligacy, and other affronts, Daniel is forty before he falls prey to the human condition himself: his beloved’s body sags with age, their marriage dissolves, and true happiness seems a luxury reserved for their dog, Fox. After the colossal failure of his second great love affair, he joins a cult of health fanatics determined to produce a misery-free eternal life—manifested here in the voices of Daniel’s subsequent clones, who enjoy the umpteenth Fox’s companionship but shun the bands of fugitive “humans” on the horizon. Their commentary on Daniel’s fate, and on the race as a whole, illuminates the basic tenets of our existence—laughter, tears, love, remorse—and their nostalgia for such emotions, all of which have long since disappeared.

Laugh-out-loud funny, philosophically compelling, and flatly heartbreaking, The Possibility of an Island is at once an indictment, an elegy, and a celebration of everything we have and are at risk of losing.

Customer Reviews:

Living today, tomorrow and in the distant future.......2007-07-17

In the not so distant future, Daniel is living out the second half of what he considers an exercise in futility-and the rest of us consider life. Despite having been more than relatively successful as a comedian, Daniel is discontent. It has been his life work to observe humanity and its proclivities. As it turns out, Daniel isn't a big fan of humanity.

At first his observations make for great, borderline subversive, comedy. Eventually Daniel becomes so disgusted by people that the simple act of laughter, of observing other people's response to him, makes him physically ill. Attempting to resolve himself to the present, and find a way to carry on, Daniel may inadvertently aid in the demise of the world he recognizes.

In the very distant future Daniel 24, and eventually Daniel 25, genetic copies of the original Daniel ("Neo Humans"), live in a fortress of solitude. Their life's work is to learn the life history of Daniel 1, consider it, dissect it, comment on it, and add their commentary to those of the previous Daniels. They are engineered to be devoid of feeling, but some ideas are hard to get rid of.

Daniel 1 is both an everyman and completely separate from it. He lives in a time where society has taken everything too far. Sex doesn't just sell anymore, sex is power, and it's not the men who have it. Youth is everything, so much so that when one is beyond the ability to appear young, existence seems futile. Love is virtually mythic. Science has advanced so far that people have almost ceased to be necessary. Disturbing ideas on their own, they are made more frightening when you realize that this is not a wholly inconceivable view of the future. As for what comes after, bleak doesn't go far enough to describe it.

This is existentialism for our generation, and beyond.

While extremely interesting and thought provoking, I found this book to be somewhat inaccessible. The format is confusing at first, though not impossible. The language chosen is difficult and often overly technical, especially for an "everyman" character. Which, I suppose, both proves and desecrates its point.

Armchair Interviews says: Heed the reviewer's comments to see if the book is right for you.

Fascinating and bizar.......2007-06-04

Many people dislike Houellebecq due to his rather egocentric and unlikeable characters, his bleak depiction of society and mankind, and his rather explicit (sexual) vocabulary, and I have to admit I can understand their point of view. However, his storylines always manage to fascinate me more than enough to overcome these criticisms (or maybe it is these points themselves that make his books so fascinating...). I read ATOMISED a few years ago and now THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ISLAND and they both deal with the subject of immortality and the myth of everlasting youth. The possibility of an island switches perspectives between a contemporary Daniel and future Daniels, his clones or neo-humans, and tells the origin of their 'birth'. A bizar and not always easy read (possibly due to the fact that the original language is French), this is the kind of novel that you keep rethinking a long time after you finish it.

Simply Wonderful.......2007-04-03

I loved this book! I give 4 stars because of course there are better books, but this was a wonderful read. You can't help but get very caught up in the lives of the characters and they are all most interesting.

Cultural Colossus.......2007-02-20

Possibility of an Island

Michel Houellebecq set a high conceptual standard with his book, The Elementary Particles, nearly 10 years ago. Without entering the Science Fiction genre, he was able to do what the Best Science Fiction writers have been trying to do for three generations: Out-do Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World." The Elementary Particles is a philosophical Tour de Force. If you have not read it, do!

The power of Houellebecq's vision is amazing. But, this venture into Science Fiction style writing is weak. The Possibility of an Island can not be saved by Houellebecq's profound human insight or social foresight. His sarcastic pop culture allusions read thinly like Salmon Rushdie references. The lack of conceptual grasp of technological context demonstrated in the sections of the book placed in future time are a distraction at best and damning at worst. I chose not finish this book.

interesting ideas.......2007-01-19

This is the first book I have read by this author. His ideas about isolation and connection are interesting. Some of the male characters are well-defined. Their personalities capture the sometimes conflicting and subtle characteristics that make real people real. However, the female characters are mostly one-dimensional. The story sometimes becomes silly. The author's vulgarity sometimes goes beyond what is needed to give insight into the character. I think the book could have been better given the material covered, but overall it is fine and not a waste of time. A good read.

Ancient Traditions Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India

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GOOD INTRO TO THE RHYTHMS OF AFRICA, BALI AND INDIA

Ancient Traditions Future Possibilities: Rhythmic Training Through the Traditions of Africa, Bali and India
Matthew C. Montfort
Manufacturer: Panoramic Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0937879002

Customer Reviews:

GOOD INTRO TO THE RHYTHMS OF AFRICA, BALI AND INDIA.......2000-06-08

This is a very good book for those who are interested in World music and/or fusion music and want to be able to play all those beautifull and often complex rhythms that one hears in that type of music.

The first chapter is about the Rhythms from West Africa, it has a clear chapter on polyrhythms and a formula to figure them out. Chapter two deals with the rhythms from Bali, the one you will hear in Gamelan music, and chapter Three deals with Indian Rhythms, Both from North and South India.

And then in the fourth and final chapter one mixes all that rhythm knowledge to create new patterns, hence the name Future Possibilities.

If you do all the exercices in the book you are well one your way to play and understand the rhythms that masters like Trilok Gurtu and Glen Velez play.

Also recomended are Rhythm book authors like Reinhard Flatischler, Alan Dworsky, Sule Greg Vilson, Peter Magadini and Tom Klower.

Book Description

For more than two decades, feminist activists in the Caribbean have been researching, teaching, writing and collaborating with organisations and groups at all levels to improve the status of women, and to protect and advance their rights.

This volume, Gender in the 21st Century, commemorates the pioneering work of feminists, scholars and activists by reflecting on some of the major issues which have engaged them and influenced their scholarship and work since the early 1980s. It also addresses issues at the cutting edge of Gender and Development Studies, adopting a strong policy focus for treating current social and gender inequity.

Product Description

Upended by a midlife crisis, Daniel enters a cult that aims to secure eternal happiness through cloning. Through biting monologues, he recounts the last years of his life -his encounters with Isabelle and Esther, and his connection to a cult whose members maintain that humanity is capable of reaching immorality. Houellebecq is back! He touches on philosophical, social and political topics, cloning and sex, youth and old age, violence and desire. It is impossible to leave this novel with an indifferent feeling. Description in Spanish: Abandona cualquier posibilidad de salir indiferente de la lectura de esta novela. Michel Houellebecq ha vuelto. La posibilidad de una isla es la historia de Daniel, famoso por sus monólogos cáusticos en los que mezcla la provocación con una visión fría y cruel de la existencia. El protagonista narra los últimos años de su vida, sus relaciones sexuales y amorosas con Isabelle y con Esther, y su contacto con una secta cuyos miembros aseguran que el ser humano alcanzará la inmortalidad.

Possibilities for peace in Southern Philippines: The Islamic concept of peace and other essays

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Possibilities for peace in Southern Philippines: The Islamic concept of peace and other essays
Nagasura T Madale
Manufacturer: Silsilah Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Philippines | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9713100018

The possibilities of the discovery of petroleum on Kangaroo island and the western coast of Eyre's peninsula (South Australia. Dept. of mines. Geological survey. Bulletin)

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The possibilities of the discovery of petroleum on Kangaroo island and the western coast of Eyre's peninsula (South Australia. Dept. of mines. Geological survey. Bulletin)
L. Keith Ward
Manufacturer: R.E.E. Rogers, government printer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Possibility of an Island
Michel Houellebecq
Manufacturer: PHOENIX (ORIO)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0752877364

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The Possibility of an Island
Michel Houellebecq
Manufacturer: WEIDENFELD & NICOLSO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OS42KC

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Love Remember Me

it was good, but.......................

Tracy G.

Very interesting; very historical; steamy!

The best romance book I have ever read...
Love, Remember Me
Bertrice Small
Manufacturer: Ivy Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Blaze Wyndham

Hellion Hellion

Unconquered

To Love Again

Love Wild and Fair

ASIN: 0345409264
Release Date: 1996-09-01

Book Description

Lovely Nyssa Wyndham, fair and proud as her mother, Blaze, is lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII's fourth wife. . . .
Scandalizing all of England, Henry has his marriage annulled, for the Queen cannot meet the bawdy desires of the insatiable king. Henry seeks a spirited, lusty new wife--and eyes the beautiful Nyssa. But in a land rife with conspiracy and rebellion, there are those in secret power determined to thwart Henry's intentions. A drugged Nyssa awakens in the arms of the notorious rake Varian de Winter. Her virtue destroyed, the outraged king orders them to wed.
Handsome--and soon smitten--Varian de Winter dares to conquer his spitfire bride. But the intrigues and dark side of the court intrude upon their brief happiness as Nyssa is trapped in a devious plot and witness to the deadly wrath of Henry Tudor. Suddenly, jealousy and revenge grow bloodthirsty, and all that Nyssa holds dear is in dire
jeopardy. . . .

Customer Reviews:

Love Remember Me.......2005-09-09

I just re read this book after a long time.

Nyssa Wyndham goes to court as a maid of honor to the soon to be queen, Anne Of Cleves. She's appointed to her position by Henry the Eighth, as a favor to her mother, who was the king's mistress for a brief time. Now, Nyssa becomes embroiled in the intrigues of court. The king, displeased by the fact that Anne is not exactly as her potrait rendered her, seeks an annulment of his marriage. When powers beyond Nyssa's control believe her to be a possibility as the new queen, they see to it she is immediatly out of favor.

She's married off to Varian De Winter, a man who's ben in love with her since he saw her at Hampton Court. Due to a scandel in his past, hes been unable to find a family who'd let him pay court to any of their daughters. His and Nyssa's marriage has a VERY unusual beginning, but they are eventually happy. However, they are called back to court!

This is a wonderful book. Detailed, like all of Ms. Smalls works. Just a great read. I wish there had been more books in the Wyndham family.

it was good, but..............................2003-09-19

The romance between Nyssa and Varian is wonderful-there is just not enough of it. The story revolves too much around Henry VIII and Catherine Howard. Nyssa and Varian seem like secondary characters.

Tracy G........2001-11-12

Absolutely the very best book I've ever read. With a deep love for history, Bertrice Small, weaves a wonderful tale of romance and courtly intrigue. WOW! The historical characters come alive and it's almost like being there. Poor Cat. This is one book that should be included in every romance reader's library. NOT TO BE MISSED.

Very interesting; very historical; steamy!.......2001-08-31

I really enjoyed this book! If you are an avid historian, love wild sex scenes, and love a sense of spicy danger this book is for you! It's interesting to see Henry VIII in this light. Good book!

The best romance book I have ever read..........2001-08-30

Mrs. Small, this is your best work. I will always treasure this book. It was a lovely story, very romantic, no air heads heroines, just a down to earth beautiful story.

Something to Remember Me By: A Story About Love & Legacies

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Something to remember me by
Perfect for a gift
Something to Remember Me By
Share with Grandparent/Grandchild/Grandfriend
Great, Great Book

Something to Remember Me By: A Story About Love & Legacies
Susan V. Bosak
Manufacturer: Communication Project
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1896232027

Book Description

Winner of six national awards, this heartwarming bestseller for children, grandchildren, mothers, and grandmothers is about love and legacies across generations. Says one reviewer, "Something to Remember Me By has the emotion of Love You Forever, the inspiration of Chicken Soup for the Soul, and the charm of a Norman Rockwell painting." The story begins as a grandmother and her young granddaughter share special times filled with "big warm smiles, and warm snuggly hugs." Many visits end with the grandmother's familiar words, "I want to give you something to remember me by." Then she gives her granddaughter a small keepsake. As the years pass, the keepsakes fill a cedar chest with memories, as it becomes clear that one gift is most precious of all -- the gift of love. Beautifully illustrated with rich watercolor paintings, this book is the perfect way to say "I love you."

Customer Reviews:

Something to remember me by.......2007-08-28

I absolutely loved this book. I have read it and read it. I am a woma in my 50s and my grandmothers are no longer living, but they had a big impact upon my childhood. There memories and special to me. This book helps you remember why these memories are so special.
I work as the Activities Assistant in a Care and Rehad center for the elderly. I have read this book to them many times and they all tell me they like the book. It has a very poignant message however, but sooner or later we all need to face the passing of the generation. But as someone has said, if they live in our memories they never die. That is the ultimate message of this book

Perfect for a gift.......2003-12-01

My granddaughter and I share a Birthday. There was an article about "Something to Remember Me By" and the success it has achieved in our local paper. I guess great minds really do think alike, as both myself and my granddaughter thought what a perfect and wonderful gift it would be. We both ended up giving it to each other on our shared Birthdays. You should have seen our surprised faces when we realized the coincidence.

This book IS perfect for giving to children and adults. I've recommended it to several of my friends and I always hear great praise back for what a wonderful little book it is.

Something to Remember Me By.......2003-03-14

This book shows a wonderful heart filled story about a loving relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter. When the granddaughter goes over to visit her grandmother after every visit her grandmother takes her into her bedroom and gives her something special to remember her by. When the granddaughter was younger they would bake cookies and go shopping together. Now that she is growing up and the grandmother is getting older she is beginning to forget things. The granddaughter gives her something special so that she will never forget her.
This book tells us that there are special gifts that can be given but the greatest gift is the gift of love. This book is a celebration of love, memories, and a relationshp of special people.
The book inspires us all both young and old to treasure the memories and the special people we hold in our hearts. It's the little things that bring warm smiles and hearts full of love.

Share with Grandparent/Grandchild/Grandfriend.......2002-01-10

This book shows the warm relationship of a grandmother and granddaughter. Even the ordinary seems like a special treat with Grandma. When it's time for the granddaughter to leave, the grandmother ends each visit with a trip to the cedar chest at the foot of her bed. She pulls out "something to remember me by". Years pass, time takes its toll, and the grandmother fears she can no longer remember well enough. The granddaughter discovers the true treasures her grandmother left. Reading this book is like stepping into my grandmother's kitchen because she also left behind a treasure chest of memories.

Great, Great Book.......2001-04-06

This book was absolutely wonderful, and the illustrations were outright sensational. You must share this book with someone you love. An excellent family book.

4 Titles Heartsong Presents : Bayou Beginnings - Love Worth Finding - The Way Home - Remember Me

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4 Titles Heartsong Presents : Bayou Beginnings - Love Worth Finding - The Way Home - Remember Me
Kathleen Miller Y'Barbo , Cathy Marie Hake , Muncy G. Chapman , and Kimberley Comeaux
Manufacturer: Heartsong Presents
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WXZH1C

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

COMPLETE Wyndham Saga Duology: (1) Blaze Wyndham; (2) Love, Remember Me (Blaze Wyndham Saga)

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COMPLETE Wyndham Saga Duology: (1) Blaze Wyndham; (2) Love, Remember Me (Blaze Wyndham Saga)
Bertrice Small
Manufacturer: Various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000TT5TNU

JL's Outsiderz Inc. Presents Poetic Reality: Remember Me?

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JL's Outsiderz Inc. Presents Poetic Reality: Remember Me?
Justin Adams
Manufacturer: Lulu.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1411633474

Book Description

A series of actual events that has (or will) occur in the life span of an individual as told through the rhyme and/or rhythm art style known as poetry.

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Word Up Danny

Love After Death: (Remember Me?)
Bud Jay
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Popular Culture | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Can love survive even after death? Sondra and Axel were the best of friends with nothing in common. Sondra was considered popular (though she never saw herself as so), and Axel was considered a “loser” who was constantly treated cruelly. When Sondra leaves to hang out with a group that has always hated Axel, Axel gives up and takes his life. Seven years after his tragic death, Sondra begins to get messages from Axel, both personally and in a book of poems he published. Sondra tries to discard it as nothing, but still can't shake off the idea. Can love survive after death?

Customer Reviews:

Word Up Danny.......2006-05-11

Ummmm
So Danny is amazing
and I think if I said what I wanted to say about him the Amazon.com monkeys would censor it

So yeah
I love Danny

the end

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Love Remember Me
Jessie Ford
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GXHPRM

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Book Description

Love Remember Me
Jessie Ford
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0345010191

Customer Reviews:

Book Description.......2006-05-02

Wherever the beautiful Louisa Boyd traveled, across the blue, ice cold eastern seas or the gold, sun fired western mountains, she could never truly leave the passions and madness born in the mists of her home -- the Louisiana bayous. Nor could she leave its young men who knew only the laws of desire and conquest -- men who, in a French vineyard, defended her innocence, and in an American desert, saved her life... and the new-born life of a child destined to be Louisa's triumphant gift of love to a brave man and a great continent...

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Love, Remember Me
bertrice small
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000BYT0EW

Product Description

ovely Nyssa Wyndham, fair and proud as her mother, Blaze, is lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII's fourth wife. . . .Scandalizing all of England, Henry has his marriage annulled, for the Queen cannot meet the bawdy desires of the insatiable king. Henry seeks a spirited, lusty new wife--and eyes the beautiful Nyssa. But in a land rife with conspiracy and rebellion, there are those in secret power determined to thwart Henry's intentions. A drugged Nyssa awakens in the arms of the notorious rake Varian de Winter. Her virtue destroyed, the outraged king orders them to wed.Handsome--and soon smitten--Varian de Winter dares to conquer his spitfire bride. But the intrigues and dark side of the court intrude upon their brief happiness as Nyssa is trapped in a devious plot and witness to the deadly wrath of Henry Tudor. Suddenly, jealousy and revenge grow bloodthirsty, and all that Nyssa holds dear is in direjeopardy. . . .

Average customer rating:

sweet but a bit confusing
What could be more romantic?
Angels and Scotland -- you'll love this book

Love, Remember Me (Angel's Touch)
Corinne Everett
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost | Romance | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0505521830

Customer Reviews:

sweet but a bit confusing.......2002-10-27

Love, Remember Me is a time travel story that has a very sweet premiss. The hero and the heroine are in love and they die together after a fierce battle to save thier way of life. The only had one night together and now as they lay dying they vow to find each other again.
Well the heroine dies and the hero, Cairn is helped by angels and is given a special task. He is not really dead but also not really alive. He comes back to earth several times over the centuries searching for his lost love. He finds her only to loose her again before she remembers him. She must remember him in order for him to stay.

The heroine is now a modern woman writting a news article on angles. She meets a woman who tells her that someone is waiting for her. She of course this that this is baloney but soon finds herself being drawn to Scotland to find her destiny. She and Cairn finally meet and she remembers him but before they can have a life something will happen that could tear the two apart forever.

This story jumps around a lot so it is a bit confusing. I liked its idea but found that all that jumping around made it hard to enjoy.

What could be more romantic?.......2000-02-07

What could be more romantic, or heroic, than a hero who travels across the ages, sacrifices everything, and never gives up seeking his only love. Love, Remember Me is a story that will stay with you long after you've closed the covers. It's eternal theme of everlasting love will delight romance readers everywhere!

Angels and Scotland -- you'll love this book.......1998-06-14

I loved the way Cairn searches for Brenna through history, always remembering her, hoping he'll find her and made her remember when they first loved each other. What an appealing hero!

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