Houellebecq writes frankly about the economy of desire, how capitalism creates domestic economies that guarantee despair ... his frankness is difficult for many because people do not want to acknowledge how capital works within the spheres they would like to believe are not political --- family, love, marriage, desire ...

After reading the latest piece about Houellebecq, which I have posted, I think I wouldn't disagree with the comparisons with Celine or Miller but he also reminds me of Palahniuk. In the way that he describes the vacuousness of modern life.

I thought a little bit of Douglas Coupland as well. It would be interesting to hear what other people living in Europe thought, because this is what struck me, he has his finger on something of modern day Europe. I don't know how that translates into American culture, but obviously he has his finger on something universal.

It's his fundamental disengagement, disaffection which is so striking. There is a bit of Camus in him. I would be happy to continue this discussion. John Fante comes to mind also, who was an influence on Bukowski, and who was due to Bukowski's efforts, reissued in his later years.