En Route By: Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848-1907)
En Route by Joris-Karl Huysmans is a masterpiece of 19th-century French literature that takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the inner workings of the human psyche. Without a doubt, Huysmans' narrative skills and philosophical insights make this novel a captivating and introspective reading experience. The story revolves around Durtal, a middle-aged writer who is disillusioned by the emptiness of modern life and seeks solace and meaning through introspection and religion. Through Durtal's eyes, Huysmans delves deep into the protagonist's internal struggles, doubts, and observations, painting a vivid portrait of a man in search of something greater than the superficial distractions of society. One of the most remarkable aspects of En Route is Huysmans' ability to create a stark contrast between the mundanity of everyday existence and the allure of spirituality. As Durtal immerses himself in various religious practices and engages with devout individuals, he finds himself torn between the comforts of secularism and the yearning for a deeper, more spiritual connection. In this exploration of faith, Huysmans brilliantly captures the complexities and conflicts that arise when confronting the divine in a world steeped in materialism. Moreover, Huysmans' descriptive prowess is astonishing. With his highly detailed and evocative language, he skillfully brings to life the settings and atmospheres that Durtal encounters on his journey. From the serene beauty of churches and monasteries to the decadence of the city streets, each scene is vividly portrayed, immersing readers in Durtal's surroundings and further enhancing the depth of his experiences. Huysmans' writing also shines through his ability to seamlessly intertwine philosophical musings within the narrative. Through Durtal's intellectual reflections, the reader is forced to question their own beliefs, motivations, and the nature of spirituality itself. While these philosophical digressions may slow down the pace of the novel at times, they prove to be integral in deepening the reader's understanding of Durtal's inner turmoil and the complexities of his spiritual journey. En Route is an elegantly crafted and introspective literary work that challenges conventional notions of faith, spirituality, and the human condition. Huysmans' adept storytelling, combined with his profound philosophical insights, makes this novel a captivating read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of the soul and the search for meaning in a world filled with superficial distractions. Without a doubt, En Route is an undisputed classic that deserves its place in the canon of philosophical literature. First Page: EN ROUTE by J. K. HUYSMANS Translated by W. Fleming EN ROUTE. CHAPTER I. During the first week in November, the week within the Octave of All Souls, Durtal entered St. Sulpice, at eight o'clock in the evening. He often chose to turn into that church, because there was a trained choir, and because he could there examine himself at peace, apart from the crowd. The ugliness of the nave, with its heavy vaulting, vanished at night, the aisles were often empty, it was ill lighted by a few lamps it was possible for a man to chide his soul in secret, as if at home. Durtal sat down behind the high altar, on the left, in the aisle along the Rue de St. Sulpice; the lamps of the choir organ were lighted. Far off, in the almost empty nave, an ecclesiastic was preaching. He recognized, by the unctuousness of his delivery, and his oily accent, a well fed priest who poured on his audience, according to his wont, his best known commonplaces. "Why are they so devoid of eloquence?" thought Durtal. "I have had the curiosity to listen to many of them, and they are much the same. They only vary in the tones of their voice. According to their temperament, some are bruised down in vinegar, others steeped in oil. There is no such thing as a clever combination." And he called to mind orators petted like tenors, Monsabré, Didon, those Coquelins of the Church, and lower yet than those products of the Catholic training school, that bellicose booby the Abbé d'Hulst... Continue reading book >>

En Route By: Joris-Karl Huysmans (1848-1907)

En Route by Joris-Karl Huysmans is a masterpiece of 19th-century French literature that takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the inner workings of the human psyche. Without a doubt, Huysmans' narrative skills and philosophical insights make this novel a captivating and introspective reading experience.

The story revolves around Durtal, a middle-aged writer who is disillusioned by the emptiness of modern life and seeks solace and meaning through introspection and religion. Through Durtal's eyes, Huysmans delves deep into the protagonist's internal struggles, doubts, and observations, painting a vivid portrait of a man in search of something greater than the superficial distractions of society.

One of the most remarkable aspects of En Route is Huysmans' ability to create a stark contrast between the mundanity of everyday existence and the allure of spirituality. As Durtal immerses himself in various religious practices and engages with devout individuals, he finds himself torn between the comforts of secularism and the yearning for a deeper, more spiritual connection. In this exploration of faith, Huysmans brilliantly captures the complexities and conflicts that arise when confronting the divine in a world steeped in materialism.

Moreover, Huysmans' descriptive prowess is astonishing. With his highly detailed and evocative language, he skillfully brings to life the settings and atmospheres that Durtal encounters on his journey. From the serene beauty of churches and monasteries to the decadence of the city streets, each scene is vividly portrayed, immersing readers in Durtal's surroundings and further enhancing the depth of his experiences.

Huysmans' writing also shines through his ability to seamlessly intertwine philosophical musings within the narrative. Through Durtal's intellectual reflections, the reader is forced to question their own beliefs, motivations, and the nature of spirituality itself. While these philosophical digressions may slow down the pace of the novel at times, they prove to be integral in deepening the reader's understanding of Durtal's inner turmoil and the complexities of his spiritual journey.

En Route is an elegantly crafted and introspective literary work that challenges conventional notions of faith, spirituality, and the human condition. Huysmans' adept storytelling, combined with his profound philosophical insights, makes this novel a captivating read for those seeking a thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of the soul and the search for meaning in a world filled with superficial distractions. Without a doubt, En Route is an undisputed classic that deserves its place in the canon of philosophical literature.

First Page:

EN ROUTE

J. K. HUYSMANS

Translated by W. Fleming

EN ROUTE.

CHAPTER I.

During the first week in November, the week within the Octave of All Souls, Durtal entered St. Sulpice, at eight o'clock in the evening. He often chose to turn into that church, because there was a trained choir, and because he could there examine himself at peace, apart from the crowd. The ugliness of the nave, with its heavy vaulting, vanished at night, the aisles were often empty, it was ill lighted by a few lamps it was possible for a man to chide his soul in secret, as if at home.

Durtal sat down behind the high altar, on the left, in the aisle along the Rue de St. Sulpice; the lamps of the choir organ were lighted. Far off, in the almost empty nave, an ecclesiastic was preaching. He recognized, by the unctuousness of his delivery, and his oily accent, a well fed priest who poured on his audience, according to his wont, his best known commonplaces.

"Why are they so devoid of eloquence?" thought Durtal. "I have had the curiosity to listen to many of them, and they are much the same. They only vary in the tones of their voice. According to their temperament, some are bruised down in vinegar, others steeped in oil. There is no such thing as a clever combination." And he called to mind orators petted like tenors, Monsabré, Didon, those Coquelins of the Church, and lower yet than those products of the Catholic training school, that bellicose booby the Abbé d'Hulst... Continue reading book >>

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