Name: The Outsider
ISBN: 9781857151398

Peter Dunwoodie

Albert Camus

Albert Camus' laconic masterpiece about a Frenchman who murders an Arab in colonial Algeria is famous in its time for diagnosing a state of alienation and spiritual exhaustion which summed up the mood of the mid-twentieth century. Today, more than fifty years after its first appearance, we can see that this early success was no passing fashion: The Outsider continues to speak to us of ultimate things with the force of a parable and the excitement of a thriller and remains one of the most widely read and influential classics of the century.

The Outsider

He sounds so distraught already Like besties dwelling on the day rather than the fact his ma's passed away bless

surtified™

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.

Dingdong 

Katherine

sukan

Yennifer Villa

Beliz Kaya

 "Söyleyecek fazla bir seyim hiçbir zaman olmadı. Ben de sustum’’ 

avarni

Evenings in these parts must be a sort of mournful solace. Now, in the full glare of the morning sun, with everything shimmering in the heat haze, there was something inhuman, discouraging, about this landscape.

I pictured myself going straight to bed and sleeping twelve hours at a stretch

From the dark horizon of my future a sort of slow, persistent breeze had been blowing toward me, all my life long, from the years that were to come. And on its way that breeze had leveled out all the ideas that people tried to foist on me in the equally unreal years I then was living through.

myldaa

I answered that one never changed his way of life; one life was as good as another, and my present one suited me quite well

Son raisonnement est si machinal, ça enlève la capacité d’identification du lecteur au protagoniste et au développement de l’histoire.

C’est déroutant le manque d’émotions et de morale que nous jugeons de survenue naturelle. L’indifférence le fait apparaître comme subissant chaque événement et relation.

“Subir” sa vie, c’est laisser les autres décider pour nous.

Chaïmae

“Mais Raymond m’a dit qu’il ne se sentait pas capable de faire la lettre qu’il fallait et qu’il avait pensé à moi pour la rédiger. Comme je ne disais rien, il m’a demandé si cela m’ennuierait de le faire tout de suite et j’ai répondu que non. (…) J’ai fait la lettre. Je l’ai écrite un peu au hasard, mais je me suis appliqué à contenter Raymond parce que je n’avais pas de raison de ne pas le contenter.”

L’indifférence passe pour antipathie, et quand un Homme est perçu coupable, il le devient.

“C’est à peine si, ensuite, on a écouté Masson qui a déclaré que j’étais un honnête homme « et qu’il dirait plus, j’étais un brave homme ». C’est à peine encore si on a écouté Salamano quand il a rappelé que j’avais été bon pour son chien et quand il a répondu à une question sur ma mère et sur moi en disant que je n’avais plus rien à dire à maman et que je l’avais mise pour cette raison à l’asile. « Il faut comprendre, disait Salamano, il faut comprendre. » Mais personne ne paraissait comprendre. On l’a emmené.”

We just sat there like that for quite a while. The woman’s sighs and sobs were quieting down. She sniffled a lot. Then finally she shut up.

I said, “Yes,” just so I wouldn’t have to say anything else.

. It was pleasant; the coffee had warmed me up, and the smell of flowers on the night air was coming through the open door. I think I dozed off for a while.

...my joy when the bus entered the nest of lights that was Algiers and I knew I was going to go to bed and sleep for twelve hours.

I don't see where the existentialism is gonna fall into play.

t was nice, and, sort of joking around, I let my head fall back and rest on her stomach. She didn’t say anything so I left it there.

the being so quick to defend himself to someone is fr

She gave a little start but didn’t say anything. I felt like telling her it wasn’t my fault, but I stopped myself because I remembered that I’d already said that to my boss. It didn’t mean anything. Besides, you always feel a little guilty

s. I remembered that it was Sunday, and that bothered me: I don’t like Sundays

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 1946; now in a new translation by Matthew Ward.

The Stranger

Ironic. How we can only hope to live, only after we truly die.

Raiza Zaldiarizki

what are the odds that someone who always lived a quiet and almost robot-like life, ends up in such a big problem? 

I haven’t read fiction this arresting in a long time. The opening line alone is so remarkable that I had to take a pause and gear up for what followed. The story of Meursault is that he fails to live with a narrative to please societal expectations.

Camus stages a thought experiment with the help of Meursault: What happens if a man refuses to lie emotionally in a world that requires it?

The book is about the punishment you get for not living up to social expectations regardless of how you feel.

Meursault is ruthless, but in an honest way that intends no harm for others and yet, he’s punished for being that way.

About the writing, Matthew Ward’s translation serves as a charming, magnetic outlook into the story of Meursault. It’s easy to step into his world, but impossible to judge his actions comfortably.

A lot more thoughts to be shared, a lot more conversations to be had about this book.

Ritik Sahni

I haven’t read fiction this arresting in a long time. The opening line alone is so remarkable that I had to take a pause and gear up for what followed. The story of Meursault is that he fails to live with a narrative to please societal expectations.

Camus stages a thought experiment with the help of Meursault: What happens if a man refuses to lie emotionally in a world that requires it?

The book is about the punishment you get for not living up to social expectations regardless of how you feel.

Meursault is ruthless, but in an honest way that intends no harm for others and yet, he’s punished for being that way.

About the writing, Matthew Ward’s translation serves as a charming, magnetic outlook into the story of Meursault. It’s easy to step into his world, but impossible to judge his actions comfortably.

A lot more thoughts to be shared, a lot more conversations to be had about this book.

Timeless.

i can see why so many people love this book with its philosophical questions, existentialism, nod to atheism, and so forth. but 

Aida Mateescu

i can see why so many people love this book with its philosophical questions, existentialism, nod to atheism, and so forth. but i think it's just mediocre, all of it.

so, no. i mean non.

This book had me hooked from the opening line, and its existential vibe stuck with me long after finishing. It’s short, sharp, and strangely relatable if you’ve ever felt numb or indifferent to the world around you.

The plot is deceptively simple: a man, Meursault, drifts through life with an almost clinical detachment, and an unexpected event throws him into conflict with society. What I loved was how Camus turns a seemingly minimal story into a profound meditation on life, death, and meaning. Nothing felt forced, and the pacing kept me engaged even though the events themselves were understated.

Meursault is the star here, and what makes him compelling is his unapologetic authenticity. He refuses to conform to societal expectations, which is both frustrating and fascinating. His detachment makes it difficult to empathize with him in a traditional sense, but that’s exactly the point. Supporting characters, like his mother and his girlfriend, provide context for his interactions with the world, but the story really revolves around his internal experience. Their presence is subtle yet effective in highlighting Meursault’s unique worldview.

Camus’ writing is precise and minimalistic, which perfectly suits the existential themes of the novel. Short sentences and careful observations create a sense of immediacy and immersion. I appreciated the restraint in description and emotion—it mirrors Meursault’s own detachment and allows the philosophical undertones to resonate without being preachy.

Absolutely. This is a must-read for anyone interested in existential literature or classic French novels. If you enjoy authors like Dostoevsky or Kafka, you’ll likely appreciate Camus’ style and philosophical depth. I’d recommend the translated editions that stay faithful to the original’s tone; the Marion Faber translation is widely praised for preserving the blunt, concise prose.

 is a short but powerful read that lingers in your mind. Its philosophical undercurrents, minimalist plot, and unforgettable protagonist make it an impactful exploration of human existence, societal norms, and the meaning we impose on life. Even if you’re not usually into existentialism, it’s worth experiencing Meursault’s world.

Tali ⋆.˚🦋༘⋆

Introduction

The Stranger by Albert Camus

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book had me hooked from the opening line, and its existential vibe stuck with me long after finishing. It’s short, sharp, and strangely relatable if you’ve ever felt numb or indifferent to the world around you.

Plot Analysis

The plot is deceptively simple: a man, Meursault, drifts through life with an almost clinical detachment, and an unexpected event throws him into conflict with society. What I loved was how Camus turns a seemingly minimal story into a profound meditation on life, death, and meaning. Nothing felt forced, and the pacing kept me engaged even though the events themselves were understated.

Character Analysis

Meursault is the star here, and what makes him compelling is his unapologetic authenticity. He refuses to conform to societal expectations, which is both frustrating and fascinating. His detachment makes it difficult to empathize with him in a traditional sense, but that’s exactly the point. Supporting characters, like his mother and his girlfriend, provide context for his interactions with the world, but the story really revolves around his internal experience. Their presence is subtle yet effective in highlighting Meursault’s unique worldview.

Writing Analysis

Camus’ writing is precise and minimalistic, which perfectly suits the existential themes of the novel. Short sentences and careful observations create a sense of immediacy and immersion. I appreciated the restraint in description and emotion—it mirrors Meursault’s own detachment and allows the philosophical undertones to resonate without being preachy.

Would I Recommend

Absolutely. This is a must-read for anyone interested in existential literature or classic French novels. If you enjoy authors like Dostoevsky or Kafka, you’ll likely appreciate Camus’ style and philosophical depth. I’d recommend the translated editions that stay faithful to the original’s tone; the Marion Faber translation is widely praised for preserving the blunt, concise prose.

Conclusion

The Stranger is a short but powerful read that lingers in your mind. Its philosophical undercurrents, minimalist plot, and unforgettable protagonist make it an impactful exploration of human existence, societal norms, and the meaning we impose on life. Even if you’re not usually into existentialism, it’s worth experiencing Meursault’s world.

It's sad how society decides what "being human" should look like. They sometimes ignore the fact that people feel and express things in different ways. For me, Meursault ain't heartless, he's just detached but not empty(?). 

Meursault leads an unremarkable, bachelor life in Algiers, but his sudden involvement in a violent confrontation throws him into turmoil as he is forced to question the fundamental values of society. Camus creates a world without a God but a society that is still subject to restrictive, man-made rules capable of alienating any who transcend them. In this most memorable of existential novels, Camus pits the lone and courageous individual against the benign indifference of the universe. Meursault's deception perfectly reflects the absurdity of life.

Truly haunting book. Fascinating and bleak vision of the inner workings of a unique character. A parable on absolutism in a corrupted world. 

Liam Richardson

It took me over a year to finish this book, not because I was busy or didn't find it interesting, but because I didn't wish for it to end. The book is broken up into two parts and the second part hooked me to finish it. I find it if you are someone who wants a subjective book of freedom in sense to read this book.

Walker Avila

man, this is me when life throws me pandesal

Tina Villarete

Very strange book. I do not recommend it. 

Tanishq Khandelwal

A short read. Doesn't contains much in the plot, which makes sense since it wasn't the focus of the book. Rather, it's an exploration of how our human value system is so different to the indifference of the world.

Viet-Hung Nguyen

"What did it matter?" " It didn't mean anything"

These 2 sentences form a foundation that captures the central theme of this book. The story comes full circle, from genuinely questioning the narrator's lack of convictions to coming to terms with the fact that "what'd it matter" after all. 

In all honesty, it was quite a perplexing read. On the surface, you'd think it was about accepting life as it is, but as the story progresses, the more you realise that it scratches deeper, there's more to it than just accepting. It explores the profound repercussions of indifference in a world that constantly pushes to find meaning in everything.

On a personal note, as someone who has always struggled to understand and interpret emotions, I was able to empathize with Meursault intimately.  Because of my tireless observations of societal rules, I was quick to point out his lack of moral convictions. (As I see it) You are expected to find meaning in everything. But for you to do so, you have to understand the emotions & the sensitivity of that matter; if you fail in that, you fail to find the meaning. And in that failure, you become a stranger, a stranger to the ones around you, a stranger to yourself.

"What did it matter?" " It didn't mean anything"
These 2 sentences form a foundation that captures the central theme of this book. The story comes full circle, from genuinely questioning the narrator's lack of convictions to coming to terms with the fact that "what'd it matter" after all. 
In all honesty, it was quite a perplexing read. On the surface, you'd think it was about accepting life as it is, but as the story progresses, the more you realise that it scratches deeper, there's more to it than just accepting. It explores the profound repercussions of indifference in a world that constantly pushes to find meaning in everything.

On a personal note, as someone who has always struggled to understand and interpret emotions, I was able to empathize with Meursault intimately.  Because of my tireless observations of societal rules, I was quick to point out his lack of moral convictions. (As I see it) You are expected to find meaning in everything. But for you to do so, you have to understand the emotions & the sensitivity of that matter; if you fail in that, you fail to find the meaning. And in that failure, you become a stranger, a stranger to the ones around you, a stranger to yourself.

Uno de mis libros favoritos sin duda, lo puedo leer una y otra vez.

Ana Paula Olvera 

i’ve read it in one go while i was going on the train.. and it got me chocked..

Vasilisa

Always a pleasure getting a peak into the mind of Camus. I’ve been on an existentialism kick recently and this books was so deeply engaging for me. Seeing the nobel laureate tackle this philosophical question of murder head on with such precision in his language was really entrancing. Camus style is so beautiful I could only wish for my writing to be so thoughtful and poignant. 

Willow Beller

Lindy

Protagonist's personality was akin to antisocial personality disorder

Erica England 

Meh. 

Forgettable;

Lacked any real substance. .

Protagonist's personality was akin to antisocial personality disorder(ASPD).

I don't want to like this book because the story is so low effort and dry, but damn the message is so profound and powerful that I can't help but to eternally love this book.

catto fishu

Me dejó confundida y perdida y él era muy real

Meursault, ein kleiner Beamter in Algier, führt ein Dasein, das sich in nichts von dem seiner Mitmenschen unterscheidet. Bis er eines Nachmittags ohne ersichtlichen Grund einen Menschen tötet. (Orig. Ausg.: 1942).

Roman

Der Fremde

würde für die erste Hälfte 3 und die zweite Hälfte 4 Sterne geben 

Cristina

In The Outsider, Camus explores the alienation of an individual who refuses to conform to social norms. Meursault, his anti-hero, will not lie. When his mother dies, he refuses to show his emotions simply to satisfy the expectations of others. And when he commits a random act of violence on a sun-drenched beach near Algiers, his lack of remorse compounds his guilt in the eyes of society and the law. Yet he is as much a victim as a criminal.

Despite being a man who is indifferent to everything that surrounds him, I found Mersault to be very alive. Even in his mundanity, his views are very out of the ordinary- detached, even. He is unapologetically himself, and does not try to conform to what society wants from him, nor does he find any appeal in the idea. 

While it is easy to take away from this book that life is meaningless and that nothing you do holds any importance, I do not believe this is what Camus is promoting. Over and over again i would ask myself, "what is the point?" and I think that is, ultimately, the point. To ask these questions is part of life. Our stories and experiences are not something to be handed to us, but something we must make for ourselves. Even the smallest of moments are important, the good and the bad alike. Despite there being this sense of looming dread throughout the book, that one day everything will end and nothing matters after all, there were glimpses in between that make you realise that every action is important- everyone has an impact in the world somehow. 

I also think it is important to note that this translation was beautiful. Smith said in her note at the beginning that she had used Camus' recording of himself reading it as inspiration for how to translate Mersault's character into English, and I think she has done a fantastic job in doing so. 

Overall I found this book to be very beautiful, even despite its dull nature, and oddly reflective for myself. For lack of a better description, I think this story is like marmite. Either you will love it or hate it, and either way, you will take something away from what you have read. 

iris may

Despite being a man who is indifferent to everything that surrounds him, I found Mersault to be very alive. Even in his mundanity, his views are very out of the ordinary- detached, even. He is unapologetically himself, and does not try to conform to what society wants from him, nor does he find any appeal in the idea. 

While it is easy to take away from this book that life is meaningless and that nothing you do holds any importance, I do not believe this is what Camus is promoting. Over and over again i would ask myself, "what is the point?" and I think that is, ultimately, the point. To ask these questions is part of life. Our stories and experiences are not something to be handed to us, but something we must make for ourselves. Even the smallest of moments are important, the good and the bad alike. Despite there being this sense of looming dread throughout the book, that one day everything will end and nothing matters after all, there were glimpses in between that make you realise that every action is important- everyone has an impact in the world somehow. 

I even had the impression that this dead woman, stretched out in front of them, meant nothing to them. But now . . . I think I was wrong about that. (pg. 10)

They were shouting and singing at the top of their lungs – their club would go on forever. (pg. 21)

But that face glowed with the colour of the sun and the flame of desire: it was Marie's face. (pg. 107)

I also think it is important to note that this translation was beautiful. Smith said in her note at the beginning that she had used Camus' recording of himself reading it as inspiration for how to translate Mersault's character into English, and I think she has done a fantastic job in doing so. 

Overall I found this book to be very beautiful, even despite its dull nature, and oddly reflective for myself. For lack of a better description, I think this story is like marmite. Either you will love it or hate it, and either way, you will take something away from what you have read. 




I love Albert Camus, this one of his best works

ラップの神 del ray🗡🐸

Daniel U

This book left me feeling confused and lost; I believe that is what Camus intended. 

To rationalize Mersault’s actions, to judge him - whether we believe he is guilty or not - is inherent to human nature and against absurdism in the way I see it intended. 

The Outsider means nothing, but in doing so it means everything , it defines life in such a clever - stupid - way it makes the book a masterpiece of literature, forever to be unique in its meaning (sometimes I feel the true understanding of the book is the not understanding, but that is somehow beyond human comprehension, beyond my own comprehension). Camus’ genius is unmatched.

dyonisos.

This book left me feeling confused and lost; I believe that is what Camus intended. 

To rationalize Mersault’s actions, to judge him - whether we believe he is guilty or not - is inherent to human nature and against absurdism in the way I see it intended. 

The Outsider means nothing, but in doing so it means everything , it defines life in such a clever - stupid - way it makes the book a masterpiece of literature, forever to be unique in its meaning (sometimes I feel the true understanding of the book is the not understanding, but that is somehow beyond human comprehension, beyond my own comprehension). Camus’ genius is unmatched.

The Outsider

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