99 Francs Explained

See also: 99 Francs (film).

99 Francs
Author:Frédéric Beigbeder
Country:France
Language:French
Genre:Fiction
Publisher:Grasset & Fasquelle
Release Date:August 2000
Media Type:Print
Pages:282 pgs
Isbn:2-246-56761-0

99 Francs is a 2000 novel by French writer Frédéric Beigbeder.[1] The book was released in France in August 2000 through Grasset & Fasquelle and has since been re-released under the titles € 14.99 and € 5.90.[2] Shortly after the book's initial release Beigbeder was fired from his advertising job after his employers read 99 Francs.[3]

In 2007 the book was adapted into a film by the same name that was directed by Jan Kounen and written by Nicolas & Bruno.

Summary

The book follows Octave Parengo, a successful copywriter that appears to have it all. Not only is his job going well, but he has surrounded himself with expensive material goods, beautiful women, and much cocaine. That easygoing life ends when he becomes disillusioned with his life and his job after a meeting with a client.

Reception

Jonathan Evans questioned the book's 2002 English translation, which changed the book's setting from France to England as well as changing francs to pounds.[4] Guardian reviewer Nicholas Lezard also commented on the changes to the book, stating that the "geographical and cultural translations are by no means consistent or necessarily successful".

Adaptations

Theater

A stage production of 99 Francs was performed in the Treviso Theater that was directed by Stéphane Aucante.[5]

Film

See main article: 99 Francs (film). In 2004 it was announced that a film adaptation of 99 Francs was in development.[6] The film was released on September 26, 2007, and was praised by AgoraVox as being "uncompromising".[7]

Notes and References

  1. Reyns-Chikuma. Chris. La fiction d'affaires : Une autre exception franCaise? 99 Francs de Frederic Beigbeder.. Contemporary French & Francophone Studies. October 2008. 12. 4. 455–462. 10.1080/17409290802447498. 191471470.
  2. Web site: 99 francs (14.99€). Krinein Magazine. 24 November 2012.
  3. News: Ad execs quoting Gramsci? Only in France . Guardian. 24 November 2012. London. Nicholas. Lezard. 12 July 2003.
  4. Book: Parker, Rebecca. Thinking Translation. 2008. Brown Walker Press. 978-1599424613. 87–94.
  5. Web site: Projet/ " 99 francs " va devenir une pièce. 26 December 2001 . Le Parisen. 24 November 2012.
  6. Web site: Le best-seller de Beigbeder attendra des jours meilleurs. 25 January 2004 . Le Parisen. 24 November 2012.
  7. Web site: 99 francs : une œuvre sans concession. 12 October 2007 . Agora Vox. 24 November 2012.