Against the Grain

Published in 1884, Joris-Karl Huysmans' novel "Against the Grain" (also known as "À rebours") chronicles the life of Jean des Esseintes, the last scion of a decaying aristocratic family. Disgusted with the banality of Parisian society, des Esseintes retreats to a secluded villa, dedicating himself to isolated aesthetic contemplation. The narrative, largely devoid of traditional plot, meticulously details his eccentric experiments and refined tastes in art, literature, perfumes, and exotic flora. Through these elaborate creations, he constructs an artificial world designed to embody his profound rejection of bourgeois life and conventional morality. This seminal work is considered a groundbreaking example of Decadent literature, marking a significant departure from Naturalism and profoundly influencing figures such as Oscar Wilde and the Symbolist movement.

Reading ease score: 51.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.