Sulphuric Acid

Sulphuric Acid is a novel by Amélie Nothomb first published in 2005. It details the thoughts and pursuits of the people involved in a reality show that recreates a concentration camp. The book provoked strong reactions, both in favour and against. Nothomb was later invited to explain the idea of the book in more detail on a television programme hosted by her friend Frédéric Beigbeder.

The plot follows a television reality show called Concentration, for which prisoner-participants are chosen at random from the population and abducted in raids. Living conditions in the camp are deplorable: the prisoners are malnourished and ill, and the guards, known as "Kapos", constantly insult and beat them. Each day two prisoners are chosen and killed on camera. Zdena, one of the guards, falls in love with Pannonique, the heroine of the book, a prisoner known in the camp by her identity number CKZ 114, and she is ready to do anything to learn her real name. Meanwhile the show grows ever more popular, its most anticipated moment arriving each week when viewers can take part by televote and eliminate one of the participants without leaving their homes.