Michel Houellebecq travels to Guadeloupe to take part in a look-alike contest, whose jury is chaired by Blanche Gardin. But unforeseen events will plunge our duo into the heart of a bizarre intrigue.
Seventeen-year-old Adrien wants to join a fire station and become a fireman. During training, he realizes that in addition to the difficulties of practical exercises and exams, he also has to find his place in a group where roles are highly codified. His budding desire for Damien, the trainer, is quickly thwarted by the order to be a man.
