À vau‑l’eau by Joris‑Karl Huysmans seems to be a simple short story: in late nineteenth century Paris, a civil servant of no significance decides to change his way of life, seeking out new restaurants. This quest happens to be really hard for Mr Folantin, who cares for nothing and has troubles digesting. The structure, the metaphorical style and the subtle humor make this novel a masterpiece. In fact, Huysmans’ main purpose is to puzzle and disconcert the reader.