“The World is Out of Focus” is the second novel by Jean Rouault after “Fields of Honor”, published in Russian. The novel is unusual both in its plot structure and in its style of presentation. The author masterfully describes the external side of life, its objectivity, having perfectly mastered the art of detail, especially in pictures of nature. The author is not afraid to reveal his inner world, the secrets of his soul, he is deeply psychological; subtle irony and even self-mockery are intertwined with tragedy. The tragedy of love and loneliness, life and death, the tragedy of human existence itself - a fireworks of feelings permeates the entire work, forcing the reader to deeply empathize. The poetry and even musicality of Jean Rouault's prose is amazing. A novel-poem, a novel-symphony, a unique and magnificent example of an existential novel - this is far from a complete description of this brilliant work.