It is emblematic of Queneau’s prodigious ability and idiosyncratic approach to writing that the author was able to write exactly the same story 99 times over, in various differing style, but still keep the reader engaged throughout.

I also have to comment that the translator has done an incredible job with this book, beautifully capturing the ‘country’ style of speech despite translating from the French.

‘Abusive’ has to be my favourite style, if only for the sheer unbounded use of the term ‘bastard’.