À rebours

"À rebours" (French for "Against the Grain") is a novel by Joris-Karl Huysmans that explores the life of Jean des Esseintes, a reclusive, eccentric anti-hero who retreats from society. The book delves into his intense aesthetic preferences, obsession with art, and disdain for modernity. It’s considered a key work of Decadent literature, emphasizing individualism, sensory experiences, and a rejection of conventional values. The novel's title reflects Des Esseintes' desire to oppose mainstream culture and explore beauty and decadence from a personal, unconventional perspective.