Joris-Karl Huysmans (Dedalus)

Originally published in 1884, Huysmans’ book instantly divided critics between those who saw it as a masterpiece and those with more disparaging opinions. Brendan King’s new translation of Against Nature brings to the fore questions of literary taste and attitude for a new generation.

This classic fin de siècle novel follows the Frenchman, des Esseintes – an aesthete who tries to escape his own decadence, as well of that of Parisian society, by retreating to the country. Ironically, this retreat involves furnishing his house with art, books and flowers, which are analysed in minute detail. In one instance, whilst selecting paint, he even bejewels a tortoise to ensure the colours he has selected show off the room to the utmost effect. With no structured plot, the text is mainly comprised of book reviews from the character’s perspective in which he details classical writers and philosophers, pointing out the pros and cons of their work. While these descriptions can seem superfluous, Huysmans uses them to create a clever satire where the circumlocutions des Esseintes deplores in others’ writing are demonstrated in the text through his interpretations.

These critiques are punctuated with des Esseintes’ memories (often quite disturbing) as well as his ennui and ailments which seem inherently linked with his enforced literary lifestyle and symptomatic of everything he is trying to escape. Against Nature is often humorous and self-reflective, which compensates for the lengthy book reviews within the novel which can alienate the reader. Unless one is familiar with several literary traditions, it can feel laborious consulting the notes in the back of the edition. Probably not a holiday read, but still an engaging examination of the literary world.

Price: £8.99. Info: www.dedalusbooks.com

LUCY MENON