This unique book tells the same simple story 99 different ways, each in a different style, voice, or literary form. The narrative is about a man who sees the same stranger twice in one day - once on a bus and later in front of a train station. The book serves as an exploration of the endless possibilities of language and style, highlighting the creativity and versatility of storytelling.

This book is a critical exploration of the nature and history of literature, focusing on the social and historical aspects of writing. It argues that language and literature are shaped by historical, social, and political forces, and that they are not neutral or natural. The author suggests that the style and form of writing are as important as the content, and he introduces the idea of "writing degree zero", which refers to a kind of writing that is stripped of style and personality, and is therefore capable of conveying truth in a direct and unmediated way.

"Tropisms" is a collection of 24 short sketches that delve into the hidden undercurrents of human interactions and the subtle, often unnoticed movements of thought and feeling. The book, often considered a precursor to the nouveau roman literary movement, explores the mundane aspects of everyday life and the psychological complexities beneath them, using a unique, impressionistic style. The term 'tropisms' refers to the instinctive reactions of humans, similar to the biological responses of plants to stimuli.