French Écocritique: Reading Contemporary French Theory and Fiction Ecologically by Stéphanie Posthumus

Abstract

Reviewed by: French Écocritique: Reading Contemporary French Theory and Fiction Ecologically by Stéphanie Posthumus Keith Moser Posthumus, Stéphanie. French Écocritique: Reading Contemporary French Theory and Fiction Ecologically. UP of Toronto, 2017. ISBN 9781-4875-0145-7. Pp. 264. As the subtitle implies, Posthumus creates a rich theoretical framework from which it is possible to interpret both French theory and fiction through an ecological lens. Given that it is difficult to argue with the assertion that "ecocriticism has had little traction in French and Francophone literary studies" (20), this study is a welcome addition to an area in which research is scant. In four rather lengthy main chapters, Posthumus attempts to begin to fill this gap by encouraging other scholars to contribute to the environmental conversation. Not only does the author highlight the originality and diversity of French ecological thought that is long overdue for recognition in [End Page 236] mainstream circles, but she also demonstrates a formidable grasp of the complex issues that are emblematic of the environmental humanities in many different literary and philosophical traditions. After underscoring the"long-lasting effect" (4) of Luc Ferry's influential essay Le nouvel ordre écologique on French environmental philosophy, Posthumus promotes the work of thinkers such as Félix Guattari, Michel Serres, Bruno Latour, and Jean-Marie Schaeffer who write from a less anthropocentric and reductionistic perspective than Ferry (4). Posthumus takes advantage of the theories developed by these aforementioned philosophers to offer new insights related to the works of four contemporary writers: Marie Darrieussecq, Marie-Helene Lafon, Jean-Christophe Rufin, and Michel Houellebecq. Posthumus's close readings of French environmental theory and fiction revolve around the crucial notions of "ecological subjectivity, ecological dwelling, ecological politics, and ecological ends" (8). Although the controversial and sometimes overtly polemical author Houellebecq is a household name, one of the merits of this book is that it implores more readers to discover Darrieussecq, Lafon, and Rufin, who rarely garner the critical attention they deserve. Similarly, Posthumus convincingly posits that Jean-Marie Schaeffer has yet to receive the accolades that he has earned as one of the foremost voices in the field of French environmental philosophy. The entire book is well written and meticulously documented, but chapters three and four stand out as being indicative of impeccable scholarship. Given that both Rufin's and Houellebecq's protagonists often criticize the environmental movement, it is initially surprising that Posthumus decided to include them in this study. Displaying an uncanny ability to maintain a critical distance as a researcher, Posthumus identifies common threads that exist between Latour and Rufin in chapter three and Schaeffer and Houellebecq in the following section. Specifically, Posthumus asserts that both Latour and Rufin have strong convictions related to the necessity of reintegrating the human into ecological politics. Despite the numerous differences between Schaeffer and Houellebecq, Posthumus notes that they promulgate "a way of rethinking and resituating the human in the larger question of life on this planet" (11). Posthumus's book appears destined to become one of the most important resources for scholars interested in French ecological thought and fiction. It also promises to spark more interest in a field of study that has been relegated to the periphery in French and Francophone Studies. Keith Moser Mississippi State University Copyright © 2018 American Association of Teachers of French