Comments | books1001: Against the Grain/Against Nature by Joris-Karl Huysmans

edenic in books1001

Against the Grain/Against Nature by Joris-Karl Huysmans

Jan 14, 2011 18:16

Title: Á Rebours, translated usually as "Against Nature"
Author: Charles-Marie-Georges Huysmans, a.k.a. Joris-Karl Huysmans
Country of Origin: France
Year of Publication: 1884

SummaryAn insufferable and effeminate whinger, Jean Des Esseintes, sits in his house and thinks (what he considers) Very Deep Thoughts™. That is all. No, really, that's all ( Read more... )

joris-karl huysmans, 19th century books, author:h

Comments 11

tsarina January 15 2011, 03:29:31 UTC

This might be the most hilarious review of Huysmans I've read.

There's some decadent literature I've enjoyed, but the majority of the work of that time hasn't aged so well. I sort of enjoy the numbing level of detail myself.

edenic January 16 2011, 05:10:06 UTC

Heh, I don't think I've read any other decadent literature, and I probably won't be doing so again any time soon.

I like detail when it's illuminating and about interesting things. Unfortunately, I don't consider carpet, flowers, and perfume interesting.

christina_reads January 15 2011, 03:43:27 UTC

Wow, he totally does look like the devil. Also, great review! I've never read anything by Huysmans, but you've sort of made me feel like that's okay.

edenic January 16 2011, 05:10:20 UTC

More than okay!

super_me January 15 2011, 04:12:42 UTC

You = HILARIOUS. I lol'd. Several times.

I think this post reflects the success of this LJ community and makes me glad to be in it. Though I do plan to plod through the list at some point, it's kind of a relief to know that I'm not the only person who isn't completely enamored with every "Great Book" ever. The best part is that you stuck it out and were able to actually articulate what bothered you about the book while being absolutely hilarious. I've found that it's sometimes more fun to review books that I find terrible than those I find great, and it's certainly better than those middle-of-the-road, undistinguished types. Brilliant!

Also, as a librarian I must thank you for not destroying your borrowed copy. :-)

edenic January 16 2011, 05:13:21 UTC

I do find it easier to write more about bad books than good books. And it's definitely more fun.

I honestly do not think this book should be on the list, and it goes beyond the fact that I disliked it. I really don't think it's any good. So if you skip it when you plod through the list, I won't tell. :)

ardys_the_ghoul January 15 2011, 10:38:14 UTC

Oh my God, he does look like Satan. O_O

I think I would have stomped on this book even if it was a library book. I wouldn't be able to stop myself.

I appreciate your healthy sarcasm, though--I'm sure this review is infinitely more enjoyable than the book. (I enjoyed it, anyway--the review, I mean.)

edenic January 16 2011, 05:14:12 UTC

Thanks!

And I think going to the dentist and having a tooth ripped out (like Des Esseintes) would be infinitely more enjoyable than this book.

tatredbutrfly January 20 2011, 00:01:56 UTC

You should review books for a living. I really loved your review. Thanks for sharing it with us it made me really laugh out loud!....suzanne

edenic January 20 2011, 00:45:31 UTC

Thanks!

Making a living reviewing books would pretty much be my dream job.

tatredbutrfly January 20 2011, 01:02:33 UTC

You would be great at it. I have never had the thought to review books, but I have always wanted to just have a room in my house dedicated to nothing but my books. So far I have book cases and stacks of books in most every room, but haven't got that library yet.