En Route
1895
En Route, published in 1895 by French author J.-K. Huysmans, follows the character Durtal, a modern anti-hero grappling with faith amidst a decaying society. The novel explores his spiritual journey towards Catholicism, reflecting Huysmans's own experiences and struggles with belief. As Durtal immerses himself in the rituals of the Church, he confronts his past of disbelief and seeks meaning through art, architecture, and music. The book was controversial upon release, earning condemnation from the Catholic Church for its themes and content.
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“But that which remains for ever incomprehensible is the initial horror, the horror imposed on each of us, of having to live, and that is a mystery no philosophy can explain.””
— J.-K. Huysmans
“There are two ways of ridding ourselves of a thing which burdens us, casting it away or letting it fall. To cast away requires an effort of which we may not be capable, to let fall imposes no labour, is simpler, without peril, within reach of all. To cast away, again, implies a certain interest, a certain animation, even a certain fear; to let fall is absolute indifference, absolute contempt; believe me, use this method, and Satan will flee.””
— J.-K. Huysmans
“Go forth more boldly, look at things more widely, pray as best you can, and do not trouble yourself.””
— J.-K. Huysmans
“Every one has a sum of physical and moral suffering to pay, and whoever does not settle it here below, defrays it after death; happiness is only lent, and must be repaid; its very phantoms are like duties paid in advance on a future succession of sorrows.””
— J.-K. Huysmans
“All have suffered shipwreck. The Church, unbending in this matter, has remained upright and entire. She orders the body to be silent, and the soul to suffer, and contrary to all probability, humanity listens to her, and sweeps away like a dung-heap the seductive joys proposed to her.Again, the vitality of the Church is decision, which preserves her in spite of the unfathomable stupidity of her sons. She has resisted the disquieting folly of the clergy, and has not even been broken up by the awkwardness and lack of ability in her defenders, a very strong point.””
— J.-K. Huysmans
