D'Ormesson loves mixing genres, from fiction to self-philosophical essay. The first part is purely fictitious, the second part is the philosophy which the author many questions both about the origins of the universe (an obsession Ormesson!), As various existential themes (the love, evil, time, etc ...). Many questions are asked, without providing some answers. But after all, is not characteristic of a philosopher to ask existential questions without providing exact answers? In this sense, Ormesson remains true to its reputation as "agnostic Catholic". Finally, the third part is devoted to metaphysical and religious questions about death, God's existence.
It can be both awe as annoyed by the display of erudition of this eternal optimist. In fact, he enjoys happy to make multiple literary references, philosophical, scientific, etc ... to support his speech. Even if the reader may feel to be a perfect idiot philistine to this profusion of general knowledge, at least you get out of this reading a little less stupid. But the art of Ormesson probably lies in its light and accessible writing. Here is the paradox: as some references; especially the scientists can appear to us completely unrelated, as the writing style is fluid and accessible, which facilitates understanding of some topics.
But his questions are sometimes disconcertingly simple; questions that every human being arises: where did we come from? Why do we live on this earth, why do we die? On Ormession has both the wonder and questions about life worthy of a young child. But it is undoubtedly the "touch" of Ormesson; that of an eternal young man who will stop to marvel and surprise us!