Against the Grain

"Against the Grain" by J.-K. Huysmans is a novel set in the 19th century that tells the tale of Des Esseintes, the last of his aristocratic line, attempting to escape a world he can no longer stand. The narrative introduces us to Des Esseintes' reclusive life, his complex aesthetic tastes, and his deep contempt for society, examining ideas of decay and boredom. We learn about his isolated childhood, his feelings of being different, and his disappointment with the standards of the day. Des Esseintes battles loneliness while in pursuit of beauty and purpose, inspiring him to build a special retreat at Fontenay, where he carefully constructs his home to express his creative mind. Through his thoughtful consideration of life and feeling, Des Esseintes aims to avoid human foolishness by dedicating himself to a more sophisticated and thoughtful life.