“A Night of Serious Drinking” (La Grande Beuverie) is a novel by Belgian author René Daumal, first published in 1938. The story follows a group of friends who embark on a night of excessive drinking that quickly descends into chaos and madness.
As the night progresses, the characters become increasingly intoxicated, leading to a series of bizarre and absurd events. Daumal uses dark humor and surreal imagery to explore themes of excess, addiction, and the search for deeper meaning in a world consumed by hedonism.
The novel is a masterful blend of social satire and existential exploration, capturing the absurdity of the human condition in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Through the characters’ reckless behavior and self-destructive tendencies, Daumal invites readers to reflect on their own relationship with alcohol and the consequences of unchecked indulgence.
Ultimately, “A Night of Serious Drinking” serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and the importance of maintaining a balance in life. It is a provocative and unsettling read that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have finished the last page.
Image by Billy Quinn 1954 from Flickr.
