The latest addition to my website is Michel Houellebecq‘s Anéantir [Annihilate]. This is a fairly typical Houellebecq novel. It opens in late 2026. There are three main plot lines: a group of terrorists initially sends out some highly sophisticated CGI videos, using a technology not thought possible, and which appear initially on French government sites and then on Google and Facebook. They are then linked to terrorist attacks. No-one knows who is responsible. We also follow Paul Raison, an adviser to the Minister of Finance. We follow both the story of his extended family (somewhat complicated and messy) as well as his close relationship with his minister, Bruno Juge. Juge is involved (though not as a candidate) in the forthcoming presidential elections. The incumbent (clearly Macron but not named) cannot stand for what would be a third term, so a stooge is found. Inevitably all three plots get complicated and messy and Houellebecq takes full advantage to make his usual critiques of society, French politics and wokeness. It is an excellent read if not a great work of literature.