An audacious and compelling social satire from Virginie Despentes, which casts a penetrating light on the dark underbelly of modern urban life.

When the friend who had been covering his rent selfishly dies, Vernon, a struggling record shop owner, finds himself out on the Paris streets. But as he begs from strangers, a throwaway comment on Facebook is taking the internet by storm. The word is out: Vernon Subutex possesses the last filmed recordings of music star Alex Bleach, who recently died of a drug overdose. Suddenly a horde of dubious characters, from record producers to porn stars, are all on Vernon’s trail.

Shortlisted
The Man Booker International Prize 2018
Published by
MacLehose Press
Publication date
Virginie Despentes

Virginie Despentes

About the Author

Writer and filmmaker Virginie Despentes was born in Nancy, France, in June 1969.
More about Virginie Despentes
Frank Wynne

Frank Wynne

About the Translator

Frank Wynne is an award-winning Irish writer and translator from French and Spanish.
More about Frank Wynne

Other nominated books by Frank Wynne

Standing Heavy
The Impostor