The inexpressible vulgarity of the 13th Century...

The title of this review is a sample of the sweeping, and in reality, quite funny, opinions of Des Esseintes in this very strange and influential book. The truth is that it is not much read, as it is such an extreme experience, and on the page can be quite hard going; a seemingly never ending series of obscure lists and opinions. However, when brilliantly read, as here, the effect is mesmerising and engaging. Like other "difficult" books (like Ulysses) having them read to you makes them accessible in a quite new way. I particularly enjoyed going about my everyday tasks while being plugged in to this exotic fin de siecle satire (and i think it is a satire, or at least a warning). The meal consisting of entirely black food, the room within a room whose only light enters by means of a aquarium, the flavour "organ" Des Esseintes constructs to create a symphony of taste sensation, the real flowers that must look more artificial than genuine fakes...over and over your head is filled with the most fabulous, extraordinary and (sometimes) scandalous of images. Highly recommended.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!