Alphonse Allais was a French writer and humorist who, over a century ago, decided that reality was far too serious. ‘Deux et deux font cinq’ is his playground. Don't expect a linear plot. Instead, think of it as a cabinet of curiosities filled with short pieces. You'll find fake scientific reports, ridiculous proposals for improving society, puns stretched to their breaking point, and observations that twist everyday life into something wonderfully strange.

The Story

There isn't one story, and that's the point. The book is a series of vignettes and articles. One moment he's seriously discussing the benefits of sleeping on a bed of live eels, the next he's proposing a new color: 'The scream of green.' He invents absurd gadgets and writes mock-serious treatises on nonsense. The 'plot' is the journey of your own mind trying to keep up with his, as he cheerfully dismantles logic and decorum.

Why You Should Read It

Reading Allais feels like having a brilliant, slightly unhinged conversation with a friend from another century. His humor isn't just about getting a laugh; it's a tool for questioning everything. When he insists 2+2=5, he's poking fun at rigid thinking, authority, and the silliness we accept as normal. The characters are often just straight-faced narrators presenting insane ideas, which makes it even funnier. It’s surprisingly modern—you can see his influence in everything from Monty Python to modern internet absurdism.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves wordplay, intellectual humor, or a good historical curiosity. If you enjoy the short, sharp wit of James Thurber, the surrealism of early Woody Allen, or the playful intelligence of modern writers like George Saunders, you'll find a kindred spirit in Allais. It's a quick, delightful read that proves some jokes are truly timeless.