The Stranger Review
Title: The Stranger
Author: Alber Camus
Narration: First Person Narration
Original Language: French
Translated Language: English
Publication: 1942
Genre: Philosophical Fiction, Crime Fiction, Absurdist Fiction, Tragedy,
Writing Style: Philosophical, Sipmle
Major Characters: Arthur Meursault, Salamano, Raymond Sintes, Marie Cardona, Masson
An Overview:
When I had the book in my hand, I thought it would be totally absorbing. However, during my reading journey, I lost interest at many points. It felt deranging and tiring!
After I had finished the book, I was disturbed certainly. But, I did like the story and some of its philosophical points. I would love to read more of Alber Camus’s works.
“Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know. I got a telegram from the home: “Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.” That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday.”
-The Stranger, Albert Camus
The Story of The Stranger:
A Frenchman, Meursault lives quite an automotive and satisfied life. One day, he hears the news of his mother’s death and takes it lightly. He neither feels sadness nor does he fake gloominess.
Bear in mind that he is a man lacking emotions.
Meursault agrees to vouch for his friend’s ( Raymond) innocence. Raymond has been charged with assault charges on his mistress.
During a supposed vacation, the brothers of the mistress, The Arab hunt Raymond. After their encounter with each other, a fight breaks out. Raymond strikes the brothers and so does Meursault.
Meursault kills one of the brothers. Interestingly, he shoots not to save his friend but because the blazing sun disturbs him.
The murder trial begins after this incident.
In the second part of the novel, he earns the title of Monsieur Antichrist because he lacks emotions. His want of sentiments and remorse will shape his future ahead.
Will he be a prisoner if he chooses his true and raw nature unbounded by emotions or will he be free by choosing to fake emotions?
Book Review:
The plot, the characterization, and the ending can be summed up in one word: disturbing.
Despite the fact that we humans have a plethora of emotions, especially for other mothers, many readers despise the protagonist for being normal at his mother’s funeral. Once you get to know his character, I do not think that you can hate him for I did not find him repulsing at all.
The novel compels me to think about every man who deviates from the set line of societal standards. How many men or women have been victims because their minds do not match let alone function as per the demands of society?
It bothers me to think that even for such human beings, we as a society serve no less than a life danger.
They are considered inhuman, atheist, or abnormal. I opine that they are just different.
When I finished reading, I had so many questions in my mind. What is life? Will the criminals and sinners be punished for their crimes and sins respectively in the afterlife when they have paid the price already in this life? And how can you give a punishment to a person who does not understand the concept of crime?
Repulsed by normal human feelings, the protagonist not only questions these feelings but also finds them contradictory. Camus has portrayed him as a stranger in the literal and metaphorical sense.
When read in detail, the novel speaks out so many paradoxes. It birthes new philosophies and questions.
The reading makes you tired at several points, perhaps, to reflect the boredom in human life and nature.
The Meaninglessness of Human Life:
“It’s common knowledge that life isn’t worth living anyhow.”
-The Stranger, Albert Camus
Hidden in the novel is the meaninglessness of life: a core concern of absurdism. Camus makes the readers believe in the meaninglessness of life. His character portrays the indifference of universe towards the nature, as well as, the indifference of nature toward him.
He accepts his life by knowing that there is no hope in the future. His acceptance ultimately gifts him happiness.
Writing style:
The writing style is not so difficult. It can be understood quite easily.
“Since we’re all going to die, it’s obvious that when and how don’t matter.”
-The Stranger, Albert Camus
Recommendation:
If you are interested in philosophies or tragedies, you will appreciate the book.
Also, if you like reading in between the lines, The Stranger might be the best choice for you.
