La-bas

Exploring themes of spirituality and the occult, the novel introduces Durtal, a character reflecting Huysmans' own experiences. Set against the backdrop of late 1880s France, it delves into the sensational world of Satanism, captivating readers with its vivid descriptions. Durtal's journey towards religious truth begins with a profound encounter with a painting by Grünewald, marking the start of his quest for meaning and his eventual conversion to Roman Catholicism, which continues in subsequent works.