"Against the Grain" is a novel by JK. Huysmans, first published in 1885. The story follows the life of a young man named Jean des Esseintes, who is disillusioned with the superficiality and hypocrisy of modern society. Des Esseintes retreats into his own world, where he indulges in his love for rare books, art, and music. However, as he becomes more and more detached from reality, he begins to question the meaning of his existence and the value of his pursuits. Throughout the novel, Huysmans explores themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for authenticity in a society that values material wealth and social status above all else. The book is known for its dense, philosophical prose and its critique of the decadence and excess of late 19th-century France. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
By Amy Lowell · First published 1898 · Genre: Biography, Non-Fiction, Literary Criticism