Jean Santeuil follows the formative years of a young man as he navigates the complexities of social status, familial bonds, and the awakening of his own artistic consciousness. The narrative tracks Jean from his childhood in the French countryside through his entry into the rigid social circles of Paris. He faces the internal friction of reconciling his idealized perceptions of love and morality with the often cynical reality of political and social life. The text utilizes a fragmented, episodic structure that reflects the protagonist's evolving perspective on time and memory.

Readers and critics often view this work as a vital precursor to the author's later, more famous output, providing a window into the evolution of his stylistic techniques. Discussion frequently centers on the raw, unpolished nature of the prose, which offers a more direct look at the author's initial creative impulses. Many highlight the effectiveness of the sensory details used to evoke the atmosphere of French provincial life. While some note the lack of a cohesive final structure, others appreciate the work for its candid exploration of themes that would define the author's career.