Pierric Bailly's 'Michael Jackson' Novel Reviewed by Yan Céh
Yan Céh reviews Pierric Bailly's second novel 'Michael Jackson', published in 2011 by P.O.L. The novel follows protagonist Luc through three stages of his life at ages 18, 22, and 26. Bailly's style, established in his 2008 debut 'Polichinelle', blends contemporary youth slang with Internet culture, jumping between references to Virenque, Michael Jackson, L'Équipe, and Charlie Chaplin. The narrative explores themes of pornography as a dominant cultural force, and the fragmented, patched-together world mirrors the surgically altered face of Michael Jackson. Luc's salvation comes through Maud, a recurring figure across time, representing love as endless hope. Literature itself is portrayed as a dogma-free religion that sustains belief.
Key facts
- Pierric Bailly's second novel 'Michael Jackson' was published in 2011 by P.O.L.
- The novel follows protagonist Luc at ages 18, 22, and 26.
- Bailly's debut novel 'Polichinelle' was published in 2008 by P.O.L.
- The review was written by Yan Céh for artpress.
- The novel references Virenque, Michael Jackson, L'Équipe, and Charlie Chaplin.
- Pornography is a central theme, described as having absolute reign.
- Luc's father is the same age as Michael Jackson (stated on page 273).
- Maud is a recurring character who saves Luc from drifting.
Entities
Artists
- Pierric Bailly
- Yan Céh
- Michael Jackson
- Charlie Chaplin
- Virenque
Institutions
- P.O.L.
- artpress
- L'Équipe
Locations
- Jura
- France
Sources
- artpress —