In this slightly bizarre, seemingly third - world and possibly post-apocalyptic setting, Coetzee uses the encounters his characters have with neighbours, officials, work colleagues and random strangers to philosophise about various aspects of life: attraction and beauty; self - belief; work that fulfils; progress; the reality of history; rules and non-conformity; power and law - enforcement; and whether philosophical non-conformity warrants punishment. (bookbrowse.com)
Make like Sartre and de Beauvoir and philosophise over coffee at The Flore or Deux Magots in Saint Germain, step out with the fashionistas for a spot of boutique shopping in the Marais, or perhaps join the artists and romantics in Montmartre and Pigalle. (housetrip.com)
It combines high - minded postmodern philosophising with very generic, often very banal, thriller elements (independent.co.uk)