Exercises in Style

Exercises in Style by Raymond Queneau, published by New Directions Publishing in 1981, is a unique exploration of linguistic creativity presented in English. This second edition spans 197 pages and showcases Queneau’s innovative approach to storytelling through a series of ninety-nine exercises that retell the same narrative about a minor brawl aboard a bus using diverse literary styles and forms.

Readers will find a rich examination of language and style as Queneau employs various techniques to reinterpret a single event, highlighting the versatility of expression in literature. The book delves into themes related to linguistics, inviting readers to appreciate the nuances of storytelling and the art of narrative construction. This edition serves as both an engaging read and a thought-provoking study on the nature of language and its potential for transformation.