Exercices de style : Book Review

Raymond Queneau's "Exercices de style" is a remarkable and experimental novel that takes a seemingly mundane story and presents it in 99 different variations. The narrative revolves around a simple encounter on a bus, in which a man observes a young man engaged in an argument with another passenger. Queneau demonstrates his expertise in language and storytelling by exploring a plethora of literary styles and techniques throughout the retellings.

Each of the 99 variations in "Exercices de style" offers a unique perspective, delving into different aspects of the story. Queneau skillfully manipulates form, language, and narrative structure, resulting in a fresh and exhilarating experience with each rendition. By employing various points of view and rearranging the sequence of events, Queneau showcases his versatility as a writer and enthralls readers with his boundless creativity.

The impressive range of styles employed in "Exercices de style" spans from traditional narratives to poetic expressions, and even mathematical equations. Queneau's wit and humor shine through in the book, as he subtly injects irony and satire into the different retellings. This not only highlights his mastery of diverse writing techniques, but also adds layers of depth and complexity to the story.

Remarkably, despite the multitude of variations, "Exercices de style" remains cohesive and captivating. The recurring characters and themes provide a sense of continuity, seamlessly weaving the distinct narratives together. Through this, readers are encouraged to contemplate the power of language and its influence on storytelling, ultimately fostering a greater appreciation for the multifaceted nature of literature.

Overall, "Exercices de style" presents a challenging and thought-provoking reading experience. By pushing the boundaries of conventional storytelling, Queneau offers readers a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of language and narrative. His creativity and mastery of diverse writing styles make this book a fascinating exploration of the art of storytelling.

What are readers saying?

Raymond Queneau's "Exercises in Style" has garnered a wide range of reactions from readers since its original publication in 1947. The book takes a unique approach to storytelling by presenting 99 retellings of a simple story, exploring the concept of narrative variation. Here is a summary of the diverse reviews:

Firstly, many readers have praised Queneau's innovative approach and found the book to be fascinating and thought-provoking. They appreciate his creativity in presenting the same story in various styles, such as poetry, dialogue, and even mathematics. These readers consider "Exercises in Style" to be a truly singular and enjoyable reading experience.

Secondly, some reviewers highlight the linguistic and stylistic complexity of the book, noting that it may require close attention and multiple readings to fully appreciate. They admire Queneau's ability to showcase the vast possibilities of language and storytelling techniques. For these readers, "Exercises in Style" is viewed as a literary masterpiece that pushes the boundaries of narrative form.

However, a small number of readers find the concept of retelling the same story in different styles to be repetitive and monotonous. They feel that the book lacks plot development and character depth, which disconnects them from the narrative. Furthermore, they struggle to engage with the fragmented structure and prefer a more traditional approach to storytelling.

On the other hand, several readers appreciate the humor and wit that permeates the book. They find Queneau's playfulness and use of wordplay to be delightful, making "Exercises in Style" an entertaining read. They conclude that the book can be enjoyed both as a literary experiment and as a source of amusement.

ExercicesDeStyle LiteraryMasterpiece StyleExercises