The spine-chilling psychological thriller behind Paul Verhoeven's Oscar-nominated film

Michele seems indestructible. Head of a leading video game company, she brings the same ruthless attitude to her love life as to business, but when she is attacked in her home by an unknown assailant, her life changes forever. Michele has almost no recollection of her attacker but she senses his presence - he is never far away - and this uncanny feeling triggers a whirlwind of events and memories. She begins to fear she is losing her grip on a life already complicated by a demanding job, an ex-husband, a jealous lover and a son trapped in a relationship with his girlfriend pregnant by another man.

Hardened by the consequences of her father's violent past, Michele - fiercely independent and unsentimental - refuses to be reduced to a victim. When her rapist begins taunting her with messages, she takes measures to protect herself until she discovers his identity.

About the Author

Philippe Djian is the award-winning author of more than twenty novels, including the best seller Betty Blue. Elle is the fifth of his novels to be adapted for the screen. Published in French under its original title "Oh... ," this best-selling novel received the 2012 Prix Interallie. He lives in Biarritz, France.

Michael Katims is a Brooklyn-born screenwriter and translator. He worked with Roman Polanski to bring Yasmina Reza's play to the big screen in Carnage, and with Jacques Perrin on the US version of Oceans.

Reviews

'Incisive, corrosive, sexy, as sad as it is funny, and incontestably exhilarating'

* Vogue *

'Be aware. This is a literary work, a powerful book, a novel that breaks and enters into forbidden lands'

* Paris Match *

'She is a totally absorbing character.'

* Crime Review *

'I read the book and loved it. I immediately thought there was a good film in the book, and a great role.'

-- Isabelle Huppert, Oscar nominated Actress in Town & Country Magazine

'A harrowing tale'

-- Shelf Awareness

'Djian's slim, disturbing novel, already a controversial bestseller in France, is unsparing and fiercely intelligent...Djian's bold novel, winner of the 2012 Prix Interallie and adapted into an award-winning film directed by Paul Verhoeven, is slight but packs a powerful punch.'

-- Publishers Weekly, starred review

'Part thriller, part psychological drama with dark humor woven in and out, Elle is a mesmerizing work of contemporary French literature...There are enough twists to keep the reader anxiously anticipating what will happen next...Elle is a unique read for those who are searching for something different.'

-- Underrated Reads

'An intoxicating novel for sure'

-- Lire

'Philippe Djian has the knack to persuade his readers to accept the humanity of the inhuman things he describes, and that pain and pleasure don't have the same borders as good and evil. But readers don't have time to think, they have a book to finish. A book that barges in on them until the last chapter. If one thinks that it is the story that gives the speed, one is wrong; it's the art of writing.'

-- Le Magazine Litteraire



Book Information
ISBN 9781786073037
Author Philippe Djian
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Oneworld Publications
Publisher Oneworld Publications
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 15mm