You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
challenging
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Read for uni, but I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed it! It read quickly and had a nice flow, despite not much actually happening, which is the point. The very poster child of decadence, Against Nature is a thought provoking novel that follows Des Esseintes, the last of his family, who decides to move away from people and society and engage only with what brings him pleasure. Only said pleasure starts to crush his body just like the jewels he put on its shell crushed the tortoise.
I found the whole nature vs artifice to be the most interesting part of this classic. How the idea that nature has done job and that it's now time to move on since it no longer inspires the true artists of the world. Instead of real flowers, Des Esseintes wants artificial flowers that resemble real flowers, or real flowers that resemble artificial ones. He wants the water to shift colors, the tortoise to be glittering in every light. He's bored of life and wants to please every sense for as long as he can.
The cherry on top? That I read it on my e-reader, an artificial book.
I found the whole nature vs artifice to be the most interesting part of this classic. How the idea that nature has done job and that it's now time to move on since it no longer inspires the true artists of the world. Instead of real flowers, Des Esseintes wants artificial flowers that resemble real flowers, or real flowers that resemble artificial ones. He wants the water to shift colors, the tortoise to be glittering in every light. He's bored of life and wants to please every sense for as long as he can.
The cherry on top? That I read it on my e-reader, an artificial book.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
To think that I must rejoin the degraded and servile riff-raff of the age!
This was quite extraordinary. Neurotic, rich, decadent, insane. It is literally the journey of a dandy slowly going mad.
The tortoise scene is terrifying, the discussion of the Salome painting had me picturing a very different seen tbh but I loved the enthusiasm. I can see Oscar Wilde really fixating on this to the point of having to write it into Dorian Gray. I can see Dorian Gray going wild by idolising this book. Overall it was a strange incredible read, perfect time capsule of France at the time. Also reminded me vaguely of Perfume.
The tortoise scene is terrifying, the discussion of the Salome painting had me picturing a very different seen tbh but I loved the enthusiasm. I can see Oscar Wilde really fixating on this to the point of having to write it into Dorian Gray. I can see Dorian Gray going wild by idolising this book. Overall it was a strange incredible read, perfect time capsule of France at the time. Also reminded me vaguely of Perfume.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A rich misandrist gives up modern life in favor of isolation, aesthetic, and enchantment of the senses. Although, to never be satisfied. Would rather die than budge on his decided way of life.
And honestly? I want that for myself.
And honestly? I want that for myself.
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
(Second reading): 3 stars. Only for the fact I understand more of the time (La Belle Epoque) that this was written and a bit more of Huysmans himself. But Des Esseintes is a very insecure man with many flaws and most unlike a times.
One word that kept coming to mind during my read was: Atmospheric.
(Initial reading): Well I am glad I read it.
But overall, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted too.
But what I did enjoy, was the many writers and musicians mentioned in the book.
These I will now enjoy researching, possibly reading and listening to some of them.
One word that kept coming to mind during my read was: Atmospheric.
(Initial reading): Well I am glad I read it.
But overall, I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted too.
But what I did enjoy, was the many writers and musicians mentioned in the book.
These I will now enjoy researching, possibly reading and listening to some of them.