Christophe Simon (b. 1972) is a famous Swiss jazzman and writer. “Franz, or Why Antelopes Run in Herds” (Franz oder Warum Antilopen nebeneinander laufen, 2001) - Simon's first novel - immediately gained success among readers and sold out. over 10,000 copies and was nominated for the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize. Critics call Christophe Simon the Swiss Salinger. “Franz, or Why Antelopes Run in Herds” is a novel about growing up, about finding your place in life. The main character, Franz Obrist, seems to be hiding behind his childhood, in his “cube” gymnasium. ““Cube” is my nest, my native language, my special workshop, while the world around is like a cloudy Thursday, this is a world <...> from which everyone would prefer to stay away if they don’t have a hollow in their head,” he asserts. The world in Franz’s eyes is ridiculous and wretched, and the hero considers himself just as funny and wretched. “Extra” children are a pressing problem in our country. And considering that the novel is beautifully written, no one will remain indifferent to the fate of young Franz Obrist.