Lanzarote

Realising that his New Year is probably going to be a disaster, as usual, our narrator, on impulse, walks into a travel agency to book a week in the sun. Sensitive to his limited means and dislike of Muslim countries, the travel agent suggests an island full of 21st century hedonism, set in a bizarre lunar landscape - Lanzarote. On Lanzarote, one can meet some fascinating human specimens, notably Pam and Barbara - 'non-exclusive' German lesbians - who can give rise to some interesting combinations. Will they succeed in seducing Rudi, the police inspector from Luxembourg, currently living in exile in Brussels? Or will he join the 'Azraelian' sect, as they prepare for humanity to be regenerated by extra-terrestrials? As for our narrator, will he consider his week's holiday on the island a success?

Realising that his New Year is probably going to be a disaster, as usual, our narrator, on impulse, walks into a travel agency to book a week in the sun. Sensitive to his limited means and dislike of Muslim countries, the travel agent suggests an island full of 21st century hedonism, set in a bizarre lunar landscape - Lanzarote. On Lanzarote, one can meet some fascinating human specimens, notably Pam and Barbara - 'non-exclusive' German lesbians - who can give rise to some interesting combinations. Will they succeed in seducing Rudi, the police inspector from Luxembourg, currently living in exile in Brussels? Or will he join the 'Azraelian' sect, as they prepare for humanity to be regenerated by extra-terrestrials? As for our narrator, will he consider his week's holiday on the island a success?

"Lanzarote" er Michel Houellebecqs novelle fra 2000, hvor han med kynisk humor skildrer turisternes ferie på vulkanøen Lanzarote. Fortælleren indser, at nytårsaften igen vil fejle med overvejende sandsynlighed, som den plejer år for år. Derfor beslutter han sig for at rejse sydpå. Han har ikke mange penge til rådighed, og han vil ikke til et muslimsk land. Derfor foreslår rejsebureauet vulkanøen Lanzarote. I det mystiske månelandskab loves han et stort frisind og alle modernitetens bekvemmeligheder. På øen møder han det tyske og lesbiske par, Pam og Barbara samt den deprimerede politibetjent Rudi fra Luxembourg, som er dybt optaget af øens mystiske sekt, som venter på rumvæsnernes frelse. Michel Houellebecqs "Lanzarote" er et spiddende portræt af det 21. århundredes turisme og hedonisme fortalt gennem en række besynderlige karakteres liv på Lanzaraote.