Don't go into this book expecting a single, straightforward plot. Deux et deux font cinq is a collection of short pieces—stories, jokes, satirical essays, and playful hoaxes. Allais takes aim at everything: politics, art, science, and the general absurdity of human behavior. One moment he's proposing a train line for people in a hurry (with no stops), the next he's writing a tragically short crime story or pondering the uses of a glass hammer. The 'plot' is the joy of watching a brilliant mind play, finding illogical conclusions to logical premises and celebrating nonsense as its own form of truth.

Why You Should Read It

Reading Allais feels like discovering a secret. His humor isn't just silly; it's sharp and intellectual. He was a precursor to surrealism and modern satire, and his voice still feels fresh. The charm is in his cheerful defiance. He doesn't just break the rules of storytelling and reason; he pretends they never existed in the first place. In a world that often feels too rigid, this book is a delightful reminder that imagination and wit are the ultimate tools for freedom.

Final Verdict

This book is for the curious reader who enjoys clever wordplay, Monty Python-esque absurdity, or the short, sharp wit of someone like James Thurber or S.J. Perelman. It's perfect for dipping into when you have a few spare minutes and want a guaranteed smile. If you're a fan of playful, intelligent humor that stands the test of time, Allais's collection is a little-known treasure waiting to be found.