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brite_girl's review
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
4.75
Beautiful insights on phenomenology and existentialism. He paints a picture of the fear of simply having a consciousness—this “nausea” is relatable, dark, grieving, and ubiquitous. He somehow puts into words the ineffable substance of love and fear that living beings are forced to terms with. It’s fucking brilliant.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence, Suicide, and Pedophilia
bweeb's review against another edition
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
Like most other reviews say, this book was certainly a challenging read. Roquentin's inner narration, i.e. his thoughts in the form of his diary, did at times feel grating, however, overall the book was (to me at least) a great read. Roquentin's discontentedness with life bears similarities to what many individuals feel, myself included, so it's easy to relate to him as a character (in some, but not all, regards). The book flows well from general discontentedness, to his 'existential angst/dread', and finally to his acceptance that we as existents are responsible for creating reason; "Every existent is born without reason." From start to finish, you can definitely see how Sartre's works were massively influential yet challenging for people to wrap their heads around.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape and Violence
Minor discussion; not very graphic.
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