Hygiene and the Assassin by Amelie Nothomb

This was a very very strange book. It was written in French and translated to English by Alison Anderson. It was the story of an eccentric and reclusive author who, at the age of 82, has been diagnosed with a rare and terminal form of cancer. He consents to be interviewed by a series of reporters, all of whom irritate him beyond bearing EXCEPT for the last interviewer, Nina, who has read all of his books and, more than this, knows all about his past. She forces him to retell the past and face his own mortality. She essentially completes the circle of his life. Sounds promising, doesn't it?

This book was an ugly story full of foul behavior and foul language. It was very interesting, but very uncomfortable. If this is your cup of tea, forge ahead. This author has a stellar reputation in and out of France. I am afraid that I often don't like what are labeled "modern classics". I read the glowing reviews, but I can't agree. I guess I have no taste for originality rolled in the mud and sprinkled with obscenities. I'd much prefer just clean, shining originality.