Book Summary
The late Albert Camus left behind a story titled "The Stranger" which many critics and readers believe is the best book published since the end of the war. "The Stranger" is a classic work with a unique structure that targets absurdity and meaninglessness as its main themes. The main character of the story is Meursault, an introverted man who, due to committing a murder, spends his days in prison in Algeria during the 1930s, awaiting his execution.
In the first part of his writing, Camus introduces Meursault as a detached observer at his mother’s funeral, where he shows no particular emotions about her loss while mingling among the attendees. After that, he continues to live his life like a passive individual with no interest in forming close relationships with others. Meursault is not only indifferent to the stagnation in his life but is also content with the path he has chosen.
Another character introduced to the reader is Raymond Sintès, who lives next door to Meursault and makes a living by providing work for prostitutes. Sintès is watching someone whom he claims was his former girlfriend and whom he still feels attracted to. In this endeavor, Meursault helps him try to win her back, after which Sintès mistreats and humiliates her.
The story doesn’t end there; an Arab man, who is the brother of Sintès’ lover, gets into a confrontation with them on the beach along with his friends, leading to a brawl involving Meursault and his neighbor. This fight escalates until Meursault later encounters the Arab man again on the beach, and under circumstances where it’s just the two of them, he shoots him for no particular reason. The story then follows Meursault’s trial and the consequences of his actions.
About the Author
Albert Camus, a Nobel Prize winner, was born on November 7, 1913, in French Algeria and is recognized as a prominent writer, philosopher, and journalist. He was born into a poor family; his father died in World War I, and due to his family's difficult circumstances, he had to work after finishing elementary school. Through various efforts, he managed to study at an excellent high school and later received his bachelor’s degree in philosophy.
Camus had a great passion for football and achieved success with the youth team of Racing Universitaire d'Alger but had to give it up due to tuberculosis. Following this, he pursued journalism and writing professionally, and his articles and books were always widely read. Camus, who had a history of political activism, especially against the Nazis, tragically lost his life in a car accident at the age of 47 on January 4, 1960. Some of his notable works include "The Plague," "The Myth of Sisyphus," "The Rebel," and "Summer."
Who Should Read the Book?
It is recommended for fans of Albert Camus’ works as well as those interested in classic literature to include "The Stranger" in their reading list.
Table of Contents
"The Stranger" has been divided into two parts by its author.
