Our selection of 3 novels that take on high technology

Fascinating Python

Python, by Nathalie Azoulai, Ed. POL, 240 p. ; €20.

During a meal with friends, the novelist cannot help but surreptitiously observe the family’s son, Boris, concentrated in front of his computer: “He codes,” says his father with pride. But what is this code? asks the author. An unknown language, hidden behind our screens, which turns…

the world. Computers, planes, hospitals… An unknown language: for a novelist, what a challenge! So, the fifty-year-old will ask young coders to explain how it works. Not easy, but a few headaches later, the lines of code become clearer, and the different computer languages, Java, C++ and Python, the famous Python – “simple” American language! – which powers Facebook, Google or Netflix, make sense. High-level and exhilarating, this journey into unknown lands, enhanced by magnificent writing and a great sense of humor, is definitely worth the detour!

Our opinion: PP