Odd couple's book of letters gets French literary world buzzing
Angelique Chrisafis and Lizzy Davies in Paris writing in The Guardian,
Monday September 22 2008

As critics bemoan the navel-gazing and sexual confessions that continue to dominate the French book scene, nothing generates excitement like a literary stunt.

So a leading French publisher spread a rumour that a secret book by a mystery pairing of two of the country's most famous writers was to be released next month, and would reaffirm the literary worth of the nation, setting the bestseller lists on fire.

After months of speculation, the duo was revealed yesterday as Michel Houellebecq, France's award-winning enfant terrible, and Benard-Henri Lévy, the dapper, leftwing philosopher.
The odd couple, who embody France's love-hate relationship with its celebrity writers, have produced a book of letters to each other in which they lay themselves bare, about their reputations, politics, loves and parents - key for Houellebecq after his mother recently published a memoir calling him a sex-crazed idiot and manipulative fake.

The book could provide a boost for Houellebecq, who despite being hailed as France's most successful living novelist, was lampooned for his recent film-director debut in which he adapted his novel The Possibility of an Island, into what French critics said was one of the most boring and ludicrous films ever to grace a cinema screen.

For the full Guardian story go here.