I must say at the outset that I never intended to read, much less review, this book, at least not anytime soon. There I was, dear readers, working diligently (well, sort of) on a review of Arnold Bennett’s The Old Wives Tale, when I became consumed with restlessness. After all, I hadn’t started a new book in almost two days! Oh, the horrors of withdrawal from my favorite drug! Writing a post was simply no substitute for the rush of a new reading selection, particularly when one has been mainlining for decades! Perhaps I could work on my Bennett post while making do with a slow read of an Edith Wharton novella, at least until I finished with Old Wives Tale and I was free to choose a longer work. Work before play, that’s always been my motto (except when it hasn’t). Just a click or two on the internet, then back to Mr. Bennett . . . but . . . what’s this enticing new novel, a bestseller yet in France? I don’t normally read bestsellers but this one is translated (by the well-known British translator Adriana Hunter) and doesn’t that elevate it a bit over usual entries on the New York Times’ bestseller list (I’m thinking here of an All American Christmas, a self-described heart warming collection of holiday memories from the Fox News staff, selling like hotcakes for five weeks now)? I’ll download a sample and read only a few pages, just to get some idea of the thing and then it’s back to Bennett’s tale of Constance and Sophie . . . . Well, dear readers, I think you can see where this is going. The Anomaly is so engaging, I’m afraid poor Arnold B. never had a chance (but I will get to him! Spoiler alert for my upcoming post: The Old Wives Tale is a fabulous novel).
Perhaps if I were more familiar with contemporary French culture, and better read in French literature, I would have been less surprised by this wonderful novel. For those who (like me) need to — ahem — brush up on the basics (all others may skip to the next paragraph), Le Tellier is a major figure in contemporary French intellectual life. He’s one of those amazing individuals who are supremely good at many things, including writing, journalism and mathematics. Offhand, I can’t think of any public figure comparable to Le Tellier in my own country (U.S.A.), particular when you throw in the fact that he’s also a food critic! Le Tellier has written several novels; The Anomaly, which is his fourth, won France’s prestigious Prix Goncourt in 2020 and has sold over a million copies world-wide. Have you ever, dear readers, come across a completely unfamiliar term, only to have it pop up again very soon afterwards? The word I’m thinking of, in the context of my review, is “Oulipian,” which I first encountered quite recently in one of Kaggsy’s reviews. Sparing you the click to Wiki, the adjective refers to a loose association of (mostly male) francophone writers and mathematicians who use constrained techniques to create their works, the idea being that the very rigidity of their chosen structure triggers ideas and inspirations. Italo Calvino was a member of the group and Le Tellier is, among his other accomplishments, its fourth president. Given this link, will it hardly surprise you to learn that Le Tellier ends The Anomaly with a calligram (that is also IMO a lipogram)! If you need an explanation of these terms, dear readers, you must click for yourself; while I am indulgent, I’ll only coddle so much, as any more “background” will confirm that I’m hopelessly pedantic.
Has my background paragraph given you an impression of a drily witty, erudite work, full of Gallic “in” jokes incomprehensible to a less refined anglophone audience? If so, I’ve done you a vast disservice. The Anomaly was one of the most entertaining, thought provoking and funniest novels I’ve read in quite some time. With a light touch and great psychological insight, Le Tellier welds a wild mix of genres (science fiction, thriller, love story, social satire, mystery) into a seamless whole, while dealing convincingly (and entertainingly) with subjects as diverse as a professional assassin’s business methods, a doomed love affair, probability analysis, and a child’s intense love for her pet frog. All this, combined with a masterly ability to maintain suspense, to make me care about a surprisingly large number of his many characters and to leave me pondering, long after I’d finished, the issues he raised concerning the nature of reality, the existence (or not) of free will and the ability of individuals to adapt to a drastically changed reality. C’est Magnifique!
If you’re still with me at this point, I can imagine your growing impatience. “O.k., so you liked it,” I imagine you saying, “but cut the adjectives and just tell me something concrete about the story!” Because Anomaly operates on so many levels, this is both an easy and impossible task. At its simplest, it concerns a seemingly random group of very disparate characters and how they cope, or don’t, with a situation straight out of The Twilight Zone. Le Tellier immediately plunges the reader into the very different stories of (among others) a merciless hired killer with a double life (when he’s not murdering people he runs a chain of vegetarian restaurants in Paris), a critically acclaimed but commercially unsuccessful writer (quotes from his unexpected best seller, The anomaly, provide the novel’s epigraph and chapter headings), a closeted young singer from Nigeria who’s forced to conceal his homosexuality, and the six year old daughter of an American military family who’s blocking the memory of terrible events. Le Tellier develops these narrative arcs bit by bit, switching both style (the assassin’s sections are noirish, for example, while the arc devoted to an unhappy love affair is far more meditative and philosophical) and points of view. It’s a technique very reminiscent of David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas or Italo Calvino’s If on a winter’s night a traveler (as I noted above, Calvino was also a member of the Oulipian group). As the stories develop, so does the suspense. In short order I was totally hooked on the mystery of what bound this seemingly random group together and why, as the novel progressed, they were being surveilled and/or apprehended by shadowy government agents. All I will say of the plot is that the reader eventually learns these flawed but engaging (well, maybe not the hitman) characters were passengers on a Paris to New York flight that underwent one of those terrible, near-fatal episodes that provide nightmares for every nervous traveler.
The explanation of what happened occurs about halfway through the novel (and I, at least, was in suspense all the way there). After this, Le Tellier deals with the implications of this cataclysmic event for both his characters and society as a whole. I had expected to be a little bored at this point but found that Anomaly’s “how” was every bit as interesting as its “what,” so to speak. Not only does Le Tellier offer some fascinating philosophical as well as scientific explanations, he also never loses sight of the very personal way in which his characters attempt to cope with a drastically altered reality.
Le Tellier’s genre salad includes, as I previously mentioned, a bit of social satire. This mainly manifests itself in his treatment of U.S. popular culture as well as the differences in how the French and U.S. governments deal with events. At least one professional (U.S.) reviewer found this aspect of the novel condescending. Although I did not (Le Tellier aimed his arrows at legitimate targets IMO), I did think this novel’s satire wasn’t quite as strong as its more psychological and philosophical aspects.
A few other odds and ends deserve mention before I end this overly long post. Adriana Hunter’s translation is so lively and idiomatic it was difficult to believe that the novel wasn’t originally written in English. Hunter is British and it seemed to me that she found that almost impossible spot between British and American English, but I’d be interested to discover whether any readers of the novel from the U.K. would share my opinion. One particularly attractive aspect of Anomaly for us blogger types is its use of literary allusions, which add to its depth without detracting from the pace and flow of its narrative (because I haven’t studied French and am poorly versed in French literature, I fear I missed many of these but even so I have an exciting list of references to track down). Lastly, I kept my discussion of the novel’s plot to a minimum because I think that, especially with this novel, the less one knows in advance the better. If you plan on reading Anomaly, I strongly advise caution in checking out its reviews in advance (the Washington Post reviewer, for example, gave away practically every plot twist in his otherwise insightful review. I am deliberately not including a link).
It’s impossible to close this post without mentioning the novel’s literal ending. Le Tellier finishes his work with a calligram shaped like a funnel into which words and letters disappear, leaving only “e nd.”
Le Tellier has declined to explain or supply the missing text, thereby compelling each reader to supply her own interpretation. His is a very elegant — and Oulipian — suggestion that there is no one answer to the questions raised by his novel.
"You Might as Well Read" 
Oh you wretched book-blogger, you! Waving such a tempting review under my budget-pinched nose! How could you? it sounds super-wonderful. I’ve added it to my Wish List . Note to self: go & buy a Lotto ticket, this instant!
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I’m thankful for our great county library system. Check it out, literarilly.
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Hi David! I can’t tell you how very many times I felt the same way, i.e., tempted beyond the budget to add to my bookish mountain! But what would life be, without a little (healthy) temptation? (like Oscar Wilde, I can resist everything but). On a more serious note, you’re lucky to have access to a good library system. Hopefully, you’ll like this as much as I did, but if not — well, back it can go!
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Hi Alison! Many thanks for letting me begin my day with a most welcome laugh! (while it isn’t cold, it IS pretty dark here right now, in gulf coast Florida,and the felines have been giving me a hard time about their breakfast selections).
As for the temptation, well, they do say misery loves company. I considered adding up my own book purchases this year, but quickly abandoned the idea; it was simply too frightening. That lotto ticket is clearly the best solution!
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Not too long a post at all, and you have me completely sold!!! I am of course the perfect target audience for this one, and I do own another of his books somewhere on the TBR. But this sounds marvellous. Plus I have a Christmas gift card for Blackwells…. ;D
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Kaggsy — I forgot to mention that there’s a distressing episode near the beginning involving an injured dog. It’s brief, you see it coming and it’s easy to skip, which I did.
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Thank you for the warning!!
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Hi Kaggsy! I’ll be very interested in learning your reaction if you do get to this one, as well as your opinion on any of Le Tellier’s other works, as he’s now an author on my “to be explored further” list. I love his combination of erudition and playfulness and I’m afraid Cloud Atlas left me with a permanent soft soft for the tag team/multiple narrative structure in fiction.
I owe you a debt for your marvellous recent review of Williams’ The Edge of the Object, to which I owe my knowledge of all things Oulipian (well, I did read the Wiki entry as well). When I encountered Le Tellier, and especially that calligram at the end, I felt as though I were meeting an acquaintance. Isn’t blogging wonderful?
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Looks like there’s a lot happening here. Convoluted but open to interpretation/ deconstruction in so many ways. I’m not much into heavy reading these days, but I am going to add this to my TBR. Thanks for introducing me to a new author.
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Hi LL! I know what you mean about no heavy reading these days (I spent most of October & early November buried in mystery and fantasy type literature. It was wonderful). I Anomaly is a book that you can make as complicated, or as simple, as you’d like, depending on what you’d like to focus on. I was reading pretty quickly and really got into the characters. I mean, really — a hit man running a chain of vegetarian restaurants??? I loved that touch! Admittedly, the more serious philosophical stuff kicks in in the latter half of the book, but it’s possible to go over it lightly and focus on narrative, if that’s what your mind is demanding at the moment.
Anyway, I do hope you enjoy it as much as I did. (Le Tellier is also new to me; I discovered him through the NYT) Happy reading!
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You’ve convinced me.
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I do hope I haven’t oversold! I obviously enjoyed it very much and I do think that it’s one of those books that you can read on a number of levels, from simple story to “what is the meaning of life.” I tend towards the simple, I must admit (might as well. I don’t have the background to pick up on all the allusions/word play Le Tellier employed). Key for me was that it was very, very funny in spots: imagine a scene where an academic is trying to explain probablity analysis and string theory to an American president who’s clearly Donald Trump, described as “a fat grouper in a blond wig.” Prez gets angry but perks up when someone mentions Star Trek, which is the only thing he can recognize.
Anyway, if you do get around to it, please let me know what you think. If you don’t feel like a post, just send me an email through my site.
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I almost always have two or three books on the go at once to keep my magpie reading heart somewhat satisfied. But even that doesn’t always work and new (and new to me) books are always a distraction. And if it makes you feel better, I’d never heard of Le Tellier either. The only contemporary French author I know (and only by reputation) is Houellebecq. Wait, I take that back. I read The End of Eddy by Édouard Louis (translated by Michael Lucey) in 2017 for the Tournament of Books.
I am either going to love this (Cloud Atlas) or hate it (If On a Winter’s Night). LOL But you definitely have me intrigued by your wonderful review.
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Isn’t it amazing that, the more you read, the more you discover how much there is out there to read? I’m always torn between excitement (new keeps me going) and frustration (I know I’ll never do more than scratch the surface, but then, honestly — I’m a surface type person). Last year, I discovered translated literature and all these non-English literary traditions. Very exciting but . . . . frustrating. With someone like Le Tellier (not to mention the Wiki article on him, LOL) I realized how deficient my education was vis á vis French culture/literature (I studied Latin, some German and a little Spanish but that’s it, language-wise) in college. What a missed opportunity!
Like you, I loved, loved, loved Cloud Atlas. I Haven’t read Calvino, another big gap.
On a different note: Has a sci-fi novel called The Actual Star, by Monica Byrne, popped up yet on your radar? I found it through a Guardian review and read it last October, during my “escape from the Challenges,” lie on the couch and post-surgery recovery period. Although I was a teeny bit disappointed at the end (I didn’t think it quite held together, but prehaps I was missing something) it really did hold my attention; actually, some sections were fascinating. Warning though: one of the story arcs (there were three set roughly in our present, our past & our future) was in late Mayan times and involved human sacrifice.
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I saw this book somewhere else not long ago and placed a hold at the library for when it comes in. I might even be first in line. After reading your review, I am even more excited to read it!
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Hi Naomi — I hope you like it. It’s so hard to recommend books, I find, as so much depends on the mood you’re in, and the circumstances surrounding you when you take up a particular novel; these really can influence one’s take on a book. I obviously loved this one! I came to it stressed, wanting something absorbing and fun but not junk and it fit my mood perfectly. If you get to it, please be sure and let me know your reactions.
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I have to thank you for your Anomaly review, because I succumbed, and bought the novel. Wow! What a read! Had I not read your review, the novel wouldn’t have entered my mind, my life, my reading world. Thank you so much! I repeat: what a read!
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Alison: wasn’t it great? I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’m always a little hesitant to recommend a book in super glowing terms, as so much depends on the individual reader and her mood at the the time, but I liked this one so much I couldn’t resist. I, too, almost passed it by, as I was busy reader some “classic” type things, but I saw a good review, had a lull between books and was a little bored, so I decided to take a chance. I literally couldn’t put it down. To me, it’s a rare combination of a thriller type story that isn’t junk — it’s well written, does a good job with character building and raised some meaty philosophical issues. And — it’s funny and keeps the suspense up! Perfecto, in other words! Hope all is well with you these days and thanks for the kind words.
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Both my husband and I read The Anomaly last year while on holiday. We periodically checked in to see where the other was in the story. Neither of us could put it down. Now, a year later, my book club is reading it at my suggestion and I’ve reread it in preparation to lead the meeting. I loved it just as much the second time around, but knowing the ending changed my perception somewhat. Your insightful review has helped me a great deal in preparation for the meeting. I hope my group read it with an open mind – it is a far cry from our normal selections, but much more stimulating.
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Hi Alice — so nice you dropped by and enjoyed the review, which was one of the easier ones for me to write (always the case with the really good books). For me, as for the members of your book club, this novel was definitely outside my normal choices. The Guardian’s review, however, was so intriguing I decided to give it a chance and, like you, I literally couldn’t put it down until I had finished. It’s nice to know it held up to a second reading (I may well come back to it in a few years).
I’d be interested to know your book club’s reactions. I do think, however, that if you’re reading it for the first time, the less you know the better — it makes the mystery almost overwhelming!
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You have tempted me as well. I’m going to try the library system and I will tell you if I am successful.
Wonderful review and I like the picture you added. I like what you describe as “petulant”, maybe because I am an aspiring nerd, LOL. All those concepts are fun. Like you, I won’t know someone so multitalented in the USA, writer, mathematicians, critic, journalist…, but that’s probably because of my ignorance.
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