Houellebecq, in Bilbao, on being called a reactionary writer
The French novelist discussed literature and politics at the Ja! Festival, telling El País he has grown resigned to a recurring label.
Michel Houellebecq, the author of 'Soumission', 'Plateforme' and 'Anéantir', appeared at the Ja! Festival in Bilbao, where he spoke with El País about writing, creation and politics.
Es agotador que te llamen escritor facha, pero uno termina por resignarse.
Michel Houellebecq, to El País
The remark touches on a label that has followed Houellebecq for years, as his novels have repeatedly drawn political readings and controversy in France and beyond. El País describes him as the 'enfant terrible' of French literature, a reputation built across a body of work that includes 'Sumisión' and 'Plataforma' in their Spanish translations.
Beyond the quoted remark, the available material does not detail what else was discussed at the festival, nor does it mention any new or forthcoming book.
Sources
This article was written from these reports.