Book Review: Acide Sulfurique (Sulphuric Acid) by: Amélie Nothomb

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Acide Sulfurique, Amelie Nothomb, Book, Book Review, Dystopia, Dystopian, French literature, Horror, novel, Reality Television, review, Sulphuric Acid

The time came when the suffering of others was not enough for them; they needed the spectacle of it too” –Acide Sulfurique (Sulphuric Acid) – Amélie Nothomb

Initial thoughts: Isn’t it exciting to dive into a novel of which you know nothing about save for its title, author and cover image? When I picked up Acide Sulfurique (translated: Sulphuric Acid) from the sparsely filled shelves of the French section of my local library, I was struck by the cover image (which you can view here). The cover image features a butterfly which flew into a glass and broke its wing. I cannot say why I am so intrigued by this cover image. Perhaps it is because it is unusual and unlikely, almost surreal. There is something unsettling about this image. And yet, in such a calamity, a disturbing image can become beautiful.

Plot Summary

One day, out of nowhere, the lovely Pannonique is pulled of the streets at random and lands a role as a participant on a new reality television show called “Concentration.” In this camp, participants are prisoners subjected to torture, dehumanization and even… death at random, all in the name of entertainment. Pannonique is stripped of her identity, including her name, and she is reborn as CKZ 114. One of the guards of “Concentration,” Zdena, is desperate to uncover CKZ 114’s name, and discover the thoughts behind her expressionless demeanour. Meanwhile, spectators are disgusted by this new television show. But… they can’t stop watching.

Book Review: Ni d’Ève ni d’Adam (Tokyo Fiancée) by: Amélie Nothomb

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Amelie Nothomb, Book, Book Review, books, French, French literature, japan, Ni d'Eve ni d'Adam, novel, Novel Review, review, Tokyo Fiancee

Language is accurate: you run for your life. If you are dying, leave. If you are suffering, move. There is no other law, only movement” – Ni d’Ève ni d’Adam (Tokyo Fiancée), Amélie Nothomb

First Impression: This book was part of my spring-summer reading list of 2017, which you can view here if interested. I already knew a little bit of the plotline before I began the novel after hearing a presentation about it during one of my French classes. Unfortunately for me, I was given quite a few spoiler alerts, but this didn’t detract from the enjoyment I received from reading this charming and bizarre love story. There is an English translated version called Tokyo Fiancée, but I decided to read the novel in French and write a review in English.

Plot Summary

Twenty-one-year-old Amelie adores Japanese culture, and longs to relive the joys of her childhood in Japan. When Amelie decides to move from her native country of Belgium to the sprawling city of Tokyo to become a French language teacher, little did she know that she would find romance. Amelie’s heart is captured by Rinri, her shy, charming, and rich Japanese student. But can a relationship between two people from two different worlds last?