The Stranger by Albert Camus Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Stranger
Book Review: A Slug in the Gut
Summary: 5 Stars
Camus's much talked about opus was written in 1946 but is a story that defies the common restraints of datedness that hamper so many long-in-the-tooth novels from some of our greatest authors. The story centers around a profoundly dissafected man living a quiet life in Algiers until one day he commits a pointless murder and the story reaches its climax after his trial. Camus's prose is minimal and distant. There is a palpable coldness that runs throughout. Slowly the story and its alienated, emotionally blank narrator work their way deep beaneath your skin and the result is remarkably effective, chilling and unforgettable. The Stranger is a timeless story of lonliness and disaffection and still rings true, perhaps even truer, today. A treasure. An absolute must. READ THIS BOOK!Book Review: A Strange Read
Summary: 4 Stars
I was looking forward to reading "The Stranger" due to its interesting premise, and upon finishing it, I am not quite sure exactly what I have read. "The Stranger" is a disturbing look into a seemingly immoral man's life, who commits an inexplicable murder, and is nonchalant in regards to his future. It is an exploration of the questions that plague men's souls about their very existence.
We are immediately introduced to our narrator, Meursault, an Algerian Frenchman, as he relates the news of his mother's death. Instead of being overcome with emotion, Meursault reacts to his mother's passing with little more than mere annoyance. He then returns to his job and takes up with a young women he has admired for some time. She becomes besotted with him, but he could care less whether he marries her or not. For no good reason, other than wanting someone to talk to, he befriends the building's pimp and helps him fight off the men who stalk him. In one moment of blinding thoughtlessness, Meursault commits an unthinkable murder. He is arrested, and the rest of the book is devoted to his time in jail and his trial.
Although Meursault is the narrator, I feel that we never get to know him. He wanders aimlessly through life, questioning much and gaining few answers. His observations about life in jail, and his questions about what happens after death are thoughtprovoking, but reveal little as to the true nature of his mind. Camus is a gifted writer who explores the darkest realms of the human mind, but fails to come up with any explanation to justify his narrator's motives. In the end, we want something more than questions - even if the answers aren't known.
Book Review: A Stranger to Some, Familiar to Others
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is a ponderous, uninspiring read, but it presents a meaningful message. People who feel alienated, bewildered, and detached in an indifferent universe will recognize parallels with their own experiences. If you sing in the Choir, this book is an apostasy, a blight on an orderly world.
The fortunate many, whose belief in transcendence nestles their hearts in warmth and certainty will be impatient with a heathen who floats unanchored by conventional values and social mores. If you are religious, mans' every action is birthed within the context of rational cause and effect.
Meursault does not have the guidance that organized religion provides. He has not internalized the rules, the guidelines that create conscience, guilt about what he does or does not do. He is freefloating in the universe.
Yes, he does inexplicable things; things that are inexplicable if you expect a rational explanation. Things happen in the context of the moment - he puts 4 shots into the Arab when the first shot probably killed him. Why? We don't know. As humans, we are uncomfortable with that answer; we must have an answer and where there a void we will fill it in with...something. He did it because...
If you are an atheist, you can relate, at an emotional level with Meursault's experiences. But it goes beyond religion; Meursault did not grieve over the death of his mother. In our society everyone loves their mother (see Philip Wylie's Generation of Vipers). What if your mother never showed you any love, physical affection, or caring? What if your relationship with her was indifferent?
This book is about the "benign indifference of the universe." As such, it is not an enjoyable or fulfulling book. It may be cathartic, perhaps clensing for some. For many who don't know who they are, where they come from, or where they are going this book offers a small reprieve.
Book Review: A True Classic
Summary: 4 Stars
I have used this book in a variety of classes ranging from beginning level French culture to teaching college reading prep skills. I choose it because students are often surprised at the lack of involvement Meursault has in his own life. This was the point Camus was trying to make, to be sure. This book is separated into two distinct parts: before and after M. goes to jail for killing some arabs. The book will spart a debate on racism, gender issues, cultural issues of the pied-noir and lliterary styles like absurdism. Did I mention that it is not that long? That is the students' favorite part.
Anyone should try it for something different. You don't need to be in a lit class to enjoy it.
Book Review: A True Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
This book will change your view on life in general, very highly emotional book.