The Stranger by Albert Camus
Published by Vintage International
Publication Date March 28, 1989
Source: Bought
Genres: Classic
Goodreads
Through the story of an ordinary man unwittingly drawn into a senseless murder on an Algerian beach, Camus explored what he termed "the nakedness of man faced with the absurd." First published in English in 1946; now in a new translation by Matthew Ward.
The Stranger has a slow strategic pacing almost making me put the book aside. Although this is two of my uncle’s favorite books so I plowed along. I soon realized the intentional snail pace was purposeful to completely understand our character and the stranger within. It is strange because while this was not thrilling nor suspenseful it had me on the edge of my seat turning those few pages as fast as I could go.I think the thing I found the eeriest is that Meursault, our main character shoots and kills a group of Arabs. I know that sounds silly but with everything that is going on in the world this fragment made this 1946 novel seem current. Albert Camus’ small book is a giant masterpiece that is highly worth the read.
Wonderful review! I have never read The Stranger, now I think I am going to have to give it a try.
I think I have this book, but I have never read it. I am not sure how I will respond to the slower pace.
My husband bought this book for a class he took, so I have it sitting on one of my bookshelves. I've been meaning to read it and now your review has made me want to start it even more!
I read this before I started blogging under the title of The Outsider. I really thought that it was amazing. Very slow but incredible the way Camus forms that character. I couldn't understand him at all, but it didn't matter. It was like reading a car crash.
I agree it is a little slow paced, but exploring Meursault's psyche is fascinating. Great review!
Bought this at a library book sale a few years ago… sounds like it's time to actually read it!