The Cathedral

Set against the backdrop of fin de siècle French Catholicism, the narrative follows Durtal, who delves into a mystical and aesthetic lifestyle. This second installment of a semi-autobiographical trilogy explores themes of spirituality and decadence, building on Durtal's previous escapades in Huysmans's earlier work. The novel reflects the author's intricate relationship with religion and art, capturing the complexities of faith during a transformative period in French culture.