With the flow and M. Bougran's retirement

the long version

"M. Folantin is a young governmental employee who is overwhelmed by the pettiness of life. M. Bougran is a government clerk - who has just been prematurely retired. Together, Huysman's two studies of institiutionalised boredom brilliantly evoke the social fetters that force us to go 'with the flow.'" "Intelligent though he is, Folantin's poverty and puny physique have doomed him to a humdrum existence of unvarying office work by day, evenings of insipid restaurant food, and a lonely bed at night. But once in a while, Folantin is inspired to break this cycle of misery and search for happiness: in a new menu, a visit to the theatre, in the arms of a prostitute. Ultimately, however, he discovers that nothing can shake from him his disgust at the business of living. Complimenting With the Flow is Huysmans' study of the mental confusion experienced by M. Bougran, a clerk facing retirement - and the end of his lifelong routine."--BOOK JACKET.