“Since we’re all going to die, it’s obvious that when and how don’t matter.” ― Albert Camus, The Stranger

The Stranger by Albert Camus has been a book claimed by the critics and studied for hundreds of students of English and French literature. For me, after listening and reading this book, I will say that Camus philosophy of individualism and the presence of the absurd in this novel are just so strong and cunning that I cannot deny the accuracy of this theories and points of view.

I cannot help but think about how this generation of millennials is so alike to Camus main character, Meursault. Selfish, individualistic, looking only for the well-being of the self, lazy, and reluctant to participate in activities that are not part of their interests. Part of his individualism that seems more like a disconnection from the world is seen in his “abnormal” behavior compared to the social rules and expected conduct.

This is highly related to the absurd that Camus seems to denounce in this novel. The absurd of being sentenced to death mainly because he did not grieve this mother’s death, and the absurd of killing a man because the day was too hot and the sun blinded him. I don’t think Meursault was a psychopath or anything like that, but he simply doesn’t care about the rest and acted irrationally to a certain level.

Meursault opens the door to unhappiness for his careless actions and his selfishness or his whateverness, and that is why he is an outsider, a stranger. He has never felt remorse for anything nor shows real emotions. His lack of remorse for killing a man, the carelessness of his situation, points his misfit behavior, which counters the social expectation. He goes against what is expected for a decent and moral human being, so he is marked as someone not even human.

Meursault mentions the “machine”. The machine, the system, the government, humanity, and society. He states the truth: nobody can win against it. So, why to oppose it when it is inevitable to lose it all? One part that really shocked me about this book is the implication that human forgiveness does not matter to God or at least to Meursault. At the end is God the one who will judge your soul. Even though humans are the ones given sentence and that is another part of Meursault’s speech that is rational enough to believe it; we all are going to die now or later, so everybody is guilty and will be judged by the same God that will judge him.

This book is very recommendable, and I will encourage everybody to read it if they can. Not playing the game will get you killed is Camus’ summary of the novel, and it totally makes sense. Read the book, listen to the audiobook, and comment on this review because there is still a lot to say about this novel and the philosophy it contains!

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  1. allymemes Avatar

    I’ve heard a lot about this book! It’s on the list of classics I want to read eventually

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Satou Johns Avatar

      Yes, I have seen so many lists of books that one most read and this one is one of those. You should totally read it! And I really like that it seems that we might have read the book so differently from what Camus actually had planned xD

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Get To Know Me Tag – INKISH KINGDOMS Avatar

    […] from The Stranger. Why? Not for the killing part… no no… but mainly for his individualism… so sorry […]

    Like

  3. Erik McManus | Breakeven Books Avatar

    Nice review! I was wondering if you want to take part in a blog tour group that I am trying to assemble with some other book bloggers? Let me know if you wish to.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Satou Johns Avatar

      Thank you! I have no idea what that is xD

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Erik McManus | Breakeven Books Avatar

        Essentially it would be a group of bloggers that either review, do an author interview, or a guest post about one book or author over about a week. We link to each other’s blogs in the post and give the author some exposure across multiple sites. It’s up to you, we are just looking for book bloggers to join and are reaching out to different ones.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Satou Johns Avatar

        Ohhh hmmm I am not sure if I have the time now :/ maybe later :3

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Erik McManus | Breakeven Books Avatar

        Ok fair enough. Just figured I would ask.

        Like

      4. Satou Johns Avatar

        Thank you for considering me! 🙂 maybe next time 🙂 hehe

        Liked by 1 person

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