The Immoralist

Originally published in 1902, The Immoralist immediately faced criticism for its exploration of omnisexual abandon and unconventional aestheticism. This novel marked the beginning of André Gide's reputation as one of France's boldest literary stylists. It stands as a pioneering work that opens the gateway to a realm of unbridled impulses, the allure of which still remains both exhilarating and shocking.
Gide's central character is Michel, a delicate and scholarly figure, who, shortly after getting married, nearly succumbs to tuberculosis. His recovery is facilitated by his wife, Marceline, and his abrupt and uncompromising decision to live a life free from the constraints of religion or conventional values. The ensuing narrative delves into a frenzied escapade into the realm of sensory experiences, climaxing in a distant Saharan outpost. Here, Michel's insatiable hunger for novel sensations, regardless of the cost, leads to fatal consequences. The Immoralist possesses the intensity of an erotic fever dream—opulent, prescient, and hauntingly enticing.