There are a lot of easy accusations to make of this book, and if you've read any of the reviews here on goodreads, you'll have noticed that the same ones come up again and again: nothing of much substance happens, Virgil (the main character) is rather irritating and unlikable, the philosophical musings are a bit trite, the premise is interesting but the execution is poor, and so on and so forth. I would agree with most of these assertions, but in the interest of fairness it's probably worth pointing out that in unlikable main characters and uneventfulness this novel keeps company with most of the great 20th century novels we herald as classics. *AHEM* Catcher in the Rye, here's looking at you.
I have two things to say in review of this book. First off, it was rather dull. But it kept me interested because the writing, even in translation, was exquisite. If you have little to say, you might as well say it beautifully and let's be clear: Martin Page says EVERYTHING beautifully. The metaphors were original, unexpected, whimsical and utterly precise. The prose was some of the most downright enjoyable I've read all year. It made wading through a plotless novel a lot easier than it might have been.
Second: yes, Virgil is a dreadful sort of character. If I'd met him in real life I'd have had no patience for the sorry, self-absorbed sod that he was. But on paper his character (or lack thereof) allowed for some exceptionally poignant existential musing. Did he say anything that hasn't been said before? Not exactly. But he said it, as I mentioned earlier, beautifully, and with a surprising modicum of grace and wit. Furthermore, I can't help but feel that being an English-speaker from Canada makes me (and many of the other English speaking, doubtless American or Canadian or British reviewers of this novel) decidedly the wrong audience to appreciate Virgil. He's very French, and at that, very Parisien. Suffice to say the Paris Literati or those familiar with their habits and manners might appreciate him more as the unique persona he is.
In sum. Not great. But definitely beautiful. It was neither hugely impressive nor a waste of my time. I'm certainly glad I picked it up.