Là-bas

"Là-bas" by J.-K. (Joris-Karl) Huysmans is a late 19th-century novel centered on Durtal, a man wrestling with philosophical questions about literature, religion, and existence, all while pushing against the prevailing materialistic thought of the era. The story begins with a vibrant argument between Durtal and his friend Des Hermies, who challenges the era's naturalistic style in literature, saying it falls short of capturing life's hidden mysteries and the depths of human nature; Durtal agrees with some of the naturalist ideas but struggles with his own ambitions in writing. This conversation begins Durtal's personal journey as he explores themes of spirituality and the human spirit alongside an interest in the historical figure Gilles de Rais, suggesting deeper themes within the story.