Many Subtle Channels: In Praise of Potential Literature

The voice, which refers to the disdainful imposters, represents a fictionalized index, a shorthand absurdity mixed with confused generalizations. Post-war scientists coined a similar, and continually popular, point of reference, gently suggesting the gift of a curious (but acceptable) deprivation of sunlight. Lowered forms of moneyed differentials mar the otherwise elegant Cubism featured in the accompanying promotional materials. Several diaphanous "things" impress upon the viewer/reader certain nightmarish analogies which are further elucidated in the paradoxically transposed footnotes and index. "Of a thousand directions both great and light," intones the voice, waxing elaborate in its vaguely foreign élan. The workshops resemble mass graves, junkyards for the decommissioning of various crippled attempts in this communal "rejection of reality." Declining crowds indicated a degree of dangerous (fiscally or otherwise) self-indulgence, and the techniques employed seemed to move steadily further away from the historical successes of the 1877-style aesthetic. These creations are neither universal nor irresistible, but where the "madness" is understandable, the obscurity fades and the studied difficulties strike one as less static, less remote. Fifty hair-lengths of spiritual economy at last swell and swirl into a final summation of the ultimate "beach novel."

This unusual difficult topic is well handled by Mr. Levin, written knowledgeably, first-handedly, but with great accessibility and humor. I would not have read about the Oulipo had it not been written in this manner but I gained a lot and with enjoyment. .

Really enjoyed this book - had a great overview of group's history and what they do. In addition, many starting off points for one to do their own research and/or Oulipo-type acrobatics.

Sycophantic narrative about a fascinating group of individuals---the author's need to insert himself and remind us of his membership in the group makes it hard to get through many of the chapters.

I was prepared to be less than enthralled with the subject matter of this book. Somehow the idea of writing books with various constraints, such as the omission of the letter "e," seemed silly to me. However, Levin Becker's book was so witty and well written that I am now inspired to try reading at least one Oulipian novel. Becker had memorable depictions of most (perhaps all) of the members of the Oulipo - from founders Queneau and Le Lionnais to Georges Perec (who wrote LA DISPARATION - a novel that completely omitted the letter "e" and followed this with LES REVENENTES that only used the "e" vowel) and every other member of this unusual literary group. I had never heard of the Oulipo and while I am still uncertain as to whether a novel written using various constraints could be as compelling as one just freely written based on one's experiences, I am intrigued enough to read a book written by an Oulipian and explore this group further.

If you are intrigued by wordplay then the OuLiPo writers group will be of interest to you. But the exact games at play in much of their works can seem erudite and unfathomable at the times. Becker’s book makes it easily accessible, exploring the personalities and quirks of its members with wit and an ear for a knowing anecdote. You might still struggle with much of the output, but you will feel reassured that you are not alone. I thoroughly recommend it.