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Summary: A book to make one reflect on our ability to know others.
Review: I've taught this book on numerous occasions over the years. In the 60's and early seventies, Meursult had a lot of sympathizers. More recently, students have begun to trash him. I still am intrigued by this book, but have begun to wonder about the relevance of much commentary on it. For instance, we might ask whether a character like Meurault, who is apparently writing this version of his life after his arrest, isn't so crafting it to make a sort of defense of his actions. If he is, he's certainly inept at it. Why doesn't he simply claim self defense? Why, doesn't he tell us everything that's going on at that trial? Well, we might say, it really doesn't matter; what REALLY matters is that Meursault is condemned to die not for the murder of an Arab, but for being who he is imagined to be. How, finally, can anyone claim to know anything about another character when we see how ludicrous the court's image of M is? (Both prosecutor and defense attorney may! have goofy images of M. And how dare that priest plead that there is a transcendant reality that must be acknowledged, when these dunces can't even figure out this poor little guy whom they "see" right before their eyes? Readers migfht be interested in reading Roger Shattuck's treatment of the book in FORBIDDEN KNOWLEDGE. It does force you to reevaluate it. Camus' preface to the American edition, which appears in his Lyrical Essays, is also worth a read.
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Summary: Nobel Prize Winner Camus' Masterpiece
Review: You may find a certain comfort in The Stranger: even the story's clever syntax and person, its cause and effect staccato prose, help define our underdog hero, Meursault. He exists only in the immediate present, falls prey to no abstractions, politics, or even remorse for the inevitable. But his indifference may also irritate you, as it does the Law, or better, those who pretend to adhere to the law's democratic handling of even the most detestable characters. But the law hates Meursault, who never openly grieved his mother's death, and for such a travesty, must be punished. Mersault can barely understand anything abstract, let alone display it publically, but now, Camus has set this view as our own, and his indifference will be his undoing, and create a tense paradox for the reader. The author is talking about science: the world known through abstractions. Hitler and Stalin used abstracting to murder millions. And Meursault will perish for the abstract concept of what l! awmakers deem proper behavior. In prosecuting Meursault, this Stranger to society, they reveal their own insane abstractions. Meursault will not be punished for what he did - self defense on a sun beat beach in Algeria - but for what he didn't do - comfort society...
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Summary: Camus is a genius!
Review: When reading this book for my boring french class I never knew I would come to love it. This book, along with Cumus's other novels and essays truly helped me define who I am. I highly recomend that it be read and reread adinfinitum!
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Summary: A brilliant and enlightening work.l
Review: The "Stranger" by Albert Camus is the greatest work of its' time, which rivals the works of nearly all 20th century writers (of whom I have read, of course, which is admittedly not much after only 2 years of high school). It is great in terms of, both its' ideology and writting mechanics. I bought my copy of the novel in the school book store several months ago, after a recomandation by a good friend. Soon after I took a trip to Los Angeles. While on my trip I read the novel and had a revelation. I realized then, how disconnected I was from those around me. I could draw far too many comparasions between my relationships and those of the personea. Furthermore, the novel(along with the philosophical essays of Sartre and Marcel) helped develop my intrest in existentialism and romanticism. Truly, a must read.
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Summary: The realism was shocking and delightful
Review: The use of character was fantastic. I've reccomended this book to everyone I know who enjoys to read. It's short, sweet, and to the point. Camus doesn't waste any words and does a fabulous job in the last 5 pages.
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Summary: il faut que vous le lisiez!
Review: It's a shame that not everyone can read it and understand it; i'm not even speaking of the french version. the extent to which camus crafted Meursault's character displays his amazing abilites as an author. How many people know that "Meur" comes from the root meaning dead? How many people see the symbolism? How many people actually understand the meaning of existentialism? as for the person who believes that Meursault's actions towards his mom is slightly offensive...you hafta realize that Camus wrote in the extreme. Why do you think Meursault acted the way he did with marie?? he said..<<SURE! i'll marry you! i'd marry anyone who asked!>> it's all b/c camus wants us to realize that LIFE is absurd. no matter how un/successful you are..u end up dead anyway. it's not to say that you should live your life without a care...in fact...it's saying that you should live your life to the fullest. THE STRANGER is a great book...IL FAUT QUE VOUS LE LISIEZ. merci My-Viet
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Summary: the truth lies under the spell of great simplicity.
Review: it is no surprise to me that Mr.Camus chose to write this book in the first person, allowing us the opportunity to view this eccentric first-hand. Meursault, like very many single middle-aged men, have a tendency to live very simple lives after nearly a half-century of traumatic experiences. He wakes up, goes to work, drinks coffee, makes love to women and goes back to sleep. surely, any man in his right man would see this lifestyle as luring and provocative, yet essential. Compared to any married man's it is disgustingly envious. Meursault has no care in the world but excepting EVERYMAN's THEORY of "basic survival": which states that before happiness and success there is the need to eat, sleep and have sex. We read about a man who is caught up, more than anything else in life, with surviving. He is no genius, or skilled tradesman. He works at an office, and finds it troubling when asked to work an extra minute than he has to. Mr Camus is very effective in this study of a "naked man." For me that has always run hand in hand with a man who is convinced that responsibility is the root of all depression. If I could quote my own lyrics for Meursault, they would be meaner words like, "lazy and sloppy like a tired dog." Nevertheless, Mr Camus's story is very effective. Either we love or hate Meursault, and any reaction to a character, whether it be bad or good, is positive for the writer. I suggest reading this book if your in trouble with life's daily rituals because it will show you what a ridiculous life you live. If you come to the conclusion, after reading, that Meursault had wasted his life living, this is a good indication you better start looking at your own. thank you
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Summary: Bottom Line...Everyone should read this at least once!
Review: This is an extraordinary book. Camus is very entertaining, and he draws a picture of his philosophy with every word...from the blunt, uncaring language down to the names of each and every character.
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Summary: Camus stares into the heart of society with savage wit
Review: I have read this book twice, so far. I loved it. Camus has created a character who's behavior is so antisocial that his actions, to us, seem almost incomprehensable. One cannot help but be struck be the completely relative way the Meursaut relates to the world. With simple, straight forward narative, Camus sends his message straight to the heart of society. I loved this book and i recommend it to any one. Also, if you liked The Stranger, check out Native Son, by Richard Wright, another existentially driven novel which is very good.
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Summary: This is a book for losers!!
Review: I hate this book, though I understand why this book became so popular. We, humans, are not logical machines. I think anyone who have read any of Nietzsche's books would think this book childish and absurd.
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