Albert Camus

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The Stranger

Lo straniero

Zamu

Poi siamo rimasti un momento a fumare senza dir nulla. Fuori tutto era calmo e abbiammo udito il fruscio di una macchina che passava. Ho detto: «È tardi».

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.

Mdy<3

"I had only a little time left and I didn't want to waste it on God."

"I had been right, i was still right, i was always right."

"After awhile you could get used to anything."

The bizarre opening lines of this novel. Immediately we notice that Mersault is emotionally detached and indifferent when it comes to others and he is difficult to categorize as a person.

Dingdong 

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.

🏹

I had been right, I was still right, I was always right. I had lived my life one way and I could just as well have lived it another. I had done this and I hadn’t done that. I hadn’t done this thing but I had done another. And so? It was as if I had waited all this time for this moment and for the first light of this dawn to be vindicated. Nothing, nothing mattered, and I knew why.

Kat 

Couldn’t he see, couldn’t he see that? Everybody was privileged. There were only privileged people. The other would all be condemned one day  and he would be condemned too. 

What would it matter if he were accused of murder and then executed because he didn’t cry at his mother’s funeral? 

tianna

For everything to be consummated, for me to feel less alone, I had only to wish that there be a large crowd of spectators the day of my execution and and that they greet me with cries of hate.

Sounds of the countryside were drifting in. Smells of night, earth, and salt air were cooling my temples. The wondrous peace of that sleeping summer flowed through me like a tide. 

bella <3

at the time, i often thought that if i had to live in the trunk of a dead tree, with nothing to do but look up at the sky flowering overhead, little by little i would have gotten used to it. 

I was absorbed by the feeling that the sun was doing me a lot of good. 

juana de arco si estuviera cronicamente online

“I laid my heart open to the gentle indifference of the universe“

sheera ⁠✷

For the first time, perhaps, I seriously considered the possibility of my marrying her.

Minsho Limbu

surtified™

And I felt ready to live it all again too. As if that blind rage had washed me clean, rid me of hope; for the first time, in that night alive with signs and stars, I opened myself to the gentle indifference of the world.

What would it matter if he were accused of murder and then executed because he didn’t cry at his mother’s funeral?

ngl, everything that's happened to him is actually good for him, he lowkey went from no emotion, no reaction, no nothing, to emotive and expressive. chances are it'll soften the heart. 

Then, I don’t know why, but something inside me snapped. I started yelling at the top of my lungs, and I insulted him and told him not to waste his prayers on me. I grabbed him by the collar of his cassock. I was pouring out on him everything that was in my heart, cries of anger and cries of joy

“No, I refuse to believe you! I know that at one time or another you’ve wished for another life.” I said of course I had, but it didn’t mean any more than wishing to be rich, to be able to swim faster, or to have a more nicely shaped mouth

But the face I was looking for was as bright as the sun and the flame of desire—and it belonged to Marie.

No offense but he's carrying no burden at all.

He was expressing his certainty that my appeal would be granted, but I was carrying the burden of a sin from which I had to free myself

Deep down I knew perfectly well that it doesn’t much matter whether you die at thirty or at seventy, since in either case other men and women will naturally go on living—and for thousands of years. In fact, nothing could be clearer. Whether it was now or twenty years from now, I would still be the one dying. At that point, what would disturb my train of thought was the terrifying leap I would feel my heart take at the idea of having twenty more years of life ahead of me. But I simply had to stifle it by imagining what I’d be thinking in twenty years when it would all come down to the same thing anyway. Since we’re all going to die, it’s obvious that when and how don’t matter. Therefore (and the difficult thing was not to lose sight of all the reasoning that went into this “therefore”), I had to accept the rejection of my appeal

Girl. Stop. I think you might lowkey be better off not living. 

I would always begin by assuming the worst: my appeal was denied. “Well, so I’m going to die.” Sooner than other people will, obviously. But everybody knows life isn’t worth living.

 Maman used to say that you can always find something to be happy about.

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(?). 

Aksara

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.

The Outsider

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 famous lines introducing Meursault's mother open the novel. He is not sure whether she had died today or yesterday since the telegram was not specific. Furthermore he does not really think it matters. He asks for two days off and takes the bus to the home he had put his mother in when he could no longer afford to take care of her. He sleeps on the way there. At the home, Meursault meets the director and the caretaker and is taken to see his mother. He chooses not to look at her and sits by her side as friends come to mourn during the night. He chats with the caretaker, naps, smokes, and has some coffee. In the morning, the funeral procession walks the hour into town for the ceremony. The sun is scorching and Meursault feels more oppressed by the heat than sad over his mother's death. Her fiancé Thomas Pérez however is in tears and must struggle to keep up by taking shortcuts. After the funeral, Meursault catches the bus home and looks forward to sleeping twelve hours.He wakes up the next day and realizes that it is a weekend and is not surprised his boss was annoyed. He gets up late and then decides to go to the beach where he loves to swim. Once there he sees a woman he used to be attracted to at work, Marie Cardona. They are instantly attracted and agree to see a movie later that night. Marie is surprised to hear that Meursault's mother died only yesterday. That night they see a comedy and go back to Meursault's. She is gone the next morning before Meursault gets up. He remembers that he hates Sundays because they are boring so he takes a nap. Finally he gets up, makes lunch and settles on the balcony to watch people pass. Different crowds move by throughout the day including families, soccer fans, and moviegoers. He eats dinner standing up, watches some more, and then moves inside when it gets colder and darker.

(Annotated Edition)

Hahaha but seriously I feel like that was used to describe his emotions since he doesn't have feelings. He just doesn't have any motivation to do anything. The very definition of a chill guy but the last pages did hit him. That's why the title is the stranger since he's not like other people (not like other boys?!) but he's still a man who lusts over Marie but that's it. I like the ending where he thought about death and that he wants to start again. There's just so many to unpack here since the ending made me like the book. 

"it's too hot" move to Antarctica then?

Hahaha but seriously I feel like that was used to describe his emotions since he doesn't have feelings. He just doesn't have any motivation to do anything. The very definition of a chill guy but the last pages did hit him. That's why the title is the stranger since he's not like other people (not like other boys?!) but he's still a man who lusts over Marie but that's it. I like the ending where he thought about death and that he wants to start again. There's just so many to unpack here since the ending made me like the book. 

Poojitha Uppalapati

It's been a long time since I've read this book (and it's definitely time for a re-read), yet I still think of it often. 

The narrartor, Mersault, is a character I personally find difficult to relate to and so I found him very fascinating. The Stranger's overarching theme is the absurdity and meaninglessness of life which is depicted through the actions and psychology of Mersault who is repeatedly depicted as a social outcast. Although the book is written from his first point-of-view, even we as the reader struggle to understand his motives and actions which further emphasizes his 'otherness'.   

I loved this book and will definitely read it again, as I think this is the type of book that needs to be read again and again in order to truly appreciate.  

It's been a long time since I've read this book (and it's definitely time for a re-read), yet I still think of it often. 

The narrartor, Mersault, is a character I personally find difficult to relate to and so I found him very fascinating. The Stranger's overarching theme is the absurdity and meaninglessness of life which is depicted through the actions and psychology of Mersault who is repeatedly depicted as a social outcast. Although the book is written from his first point-of-view, even we as the reader struggle to understand his motives and actions which further emphasizes his 'otherness'.   

I loved this book and will definitely read it again, as I think this is the type of book that needs to be read again and again in order to truly appreciate.  

The Stranger

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