Rating: 
Summary: Freedom, slavery, guilt, innocence
Review: The Fall is a monologue spread over five days - occasionally there is an implication that another has spoken but we hear only the words of the narrator. What Camus has achieved is essentially a narrative philosophy (parallel to narrative theology) in which a philosophy is presented in the form of a life story. Whether or not that life story is true, the reader is left to determine.The crux of the story is an incident which shattered the narrator's self-image - the suicide of a young woman by jumping off a bridge where he did nothing to save her. He tells of his worldly success before the incident and the shock of understanding the motives which were behind his success ... slef-knowledge he found difficult to accept. Because Camus has successfully written a philosophical narrative one follows the story and is forced to consider the motivations in ones own life. One need not accept Camus' analysis to be deeply affected by this novel.
Rating:
Summary: Falling for "The Fall"
Review: At first I really had no idea what I thought of this book. I read it in its original French and a lot of the time I was like "Huh?" But as I got further into the book I was able to see Camus' point about life and regrets. This book is an excellent aid for someone who wants to reflect on their life, it gives ideas to ponder. I especially enjoyed the parts that dealt with suicide and the logic behind it. No one really ever thinks of it in those terms. This book is a quick read and well worth it. The only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is because at times I felt like Jean-Baptiste was rambling on too much. Othwerwise, it was an excellent book and should be read by fans of Camus.
Rating: 
Summary: Experience falling into the prose of Camus
Review: This is the first book I've read by Camus. I picked it up out of curiosity and was immiediately intrigued by the unique 2nd person narrative. I hadn't read anything in this perspective before. It was a decent read. Although I didn't find it exciting or much entertaining, when I was finished with it, I was glad I read it and could think about it's messages. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an intro to an easy philosophical read: it's short (I read it in 2 days) and at times it can be entertaining (I liked the narraters nod to the Greeks as he mentions the men holding hands in the streets). Overall, I was glad I read it. Afterwards, I thought of people I've encountered who seem flawless in everyway, but I can look at them differently now. No one is perfect!
Rating: 
Summary: My favorite Camus book
Review: First, I have a deep love of Camus' writing. He is one of the few writers I know who can really write a sentence that flows off of my brain. Everything he writes seems so effortless and subtle. Given this admiration, The Fall is by far Camus' most engaging work. As stated elsewhere the title refers to one man's descent from a moral highpoint through his own undoing - acurately understanding who he is. It is a spellbinding journey as this man reveals himself. Throughout this story however, Camus is scathingly witty and funny at times. My copy is dog-eared every 10 pages because of some sentence that was a quote to remember. I cannot recomend it enough.
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Summary: THE APEX OF CAMUS
Review: A lot of people are disappointed with The Fall because it is not a straightforward morality play about how society only cares if you cry at your mother's funeral (i.e., The Stranger). The Fall is not as accessible, but ultimately more rewarding. It is a mature man's struggle to define himself, rather than an adolescent's ranting against the meaninglessness of the universe. For all of the good the hero has done, he knows that his accomplishments were byproducts of his efforts to enhance himself. The hero is not willing to engage in any true self-sacrifice (as evidenced by the ending, which I will not ruin). And the worst part is, given the same chance a second time, he knows that he would reach the same self-interested decision. It is a tale of a man who embraces self-loathing, having recognized that we are all fallen and having had enough of the nauseating narcissism characteristic of modern man. A story that only gets better as you get older. Enjoy!
Rating:
Summary: Possibly his best work
Review: From the "philosphical" point of view it may be his best work. Set in a bar in Amsterdam, the narrator recounts stories and comments in a highly introspective way. Mostly it's a commentary on morality and an argument that no one is in a position to cast judgements on others - because everyone is already guilty (judge not, lest ye be judged). This was a haunting book which I read when I was younger (about ten years ago) and I still remember some lines from it very clearly.
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Summary: Hard at first, wondrful in the end
Review: I had to read this book over the summer, and to tell you the truth I got so involved in who the man was talking to, that I instantly hated the book. Yet, when I went to school and sat down with my teacher, he explained the hidden messages, symbolism and themes in the novel. After I got the point, so to speak, I appreciated this novel. It is not a novel to read by yourself, unless you have extended notes, because you will be extremely confused. But, I recommend getting notes on existentialism and symbolism, or you will be lost
Rating:
Summary: Typically Camus.
Review: A difficult book. No story line to follow. A monologue aimed to expose the diseases eating into man and his society. May have some connections with times of the writer but his purpose remains remote to the reader. Ideas and confessions in strands and pieces tend to make up a case for 'The Fall' but takes the reader no where. An attempt to mirror certain ideas and to be honest with oneself but mostly inaccessible.
Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: If you want to have a good time, don't read this book. If you want to smile or visit a fantasy land, don't read this book. If you want to be entertained, don't read this book. If you are looking for action or adventure, don't read this book. If you want to think, read this book. If you want to learn more about yourself and the world, read this book. If you are capable of introspection and personal analysis, read this book. It will change your life. "This is the way I think. What are your objections?" - Camus
Rating: 
Summary: A sea of insanity with small islands of philosophical drivel
Review: This book was odd in that it kept me awake, but left me in a state of utter boredom. I had to read this book for a high school book report and regret every minute of having to do so. It is virtually impossible to understand and lacks a purpose. It was truly a waste of good paper to even print this book.
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