Le régime huysmansien

Abstract

It is well known that epicurean meals occupy a central place in the works of J.-K. Huysmans. But what is God’s opinion on the matter ? Can gourmandize and religion coexist harmoniously ? It is for this reason that, as the author approaches religion, his work begins to evidence a fascination for diets. One may well be a gourmand but when one is also a writer, the frugality of saints may also be a source of inspiration. According to a logic of compensation, Huysmans ’s protagonists wish to eat well in a healthy, and if possible, saintly ambiance. In other words, eating and fasting in Huysmans become a weighty issue.