From an Anglo-American viewpoint, where translations from France are predominated first by Michel Houellebecq, anti-saint, and second by a nimbus of metaphysical detective novels, Pierre Michon at first appears to be a delicious throwback, writing with luxurious self-confidence and unembarrassed depth. “Let us explore a genesis for my pretensions,” he begins in his critically acclaimed first novel, now translated by Jody Gladding and Elizabeth Deshays as “Small Lives” (Archipelago Press, 214 pages, $15).