The book is a collection of whimsical and satirical short stories that blend fantasy with reality, centered around ordinary people in the French town of Montmartre who encounter extraordinary situations. The title story features a mild-mannered protagonist who discovers he has the ability to walk through walls. This newfound power offers him both comedic and tragic opportunities as he navigates the complexities of his life, love, and society's constraints. The tales are known for their playful use of magical realism to explore human nature and the absurdities of the modern world.

The 5274th greatest book of all time