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matt_22's review against another edition
4.5
An excellent overview and history of all the main characters of 20th century existentialism, presented in a very accessible and readable package
mondovertigo's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
ztaylor4's review against another edition
5.0
This book succeeds not just in telling the fascinating story of some of the twentieth century's most interesting thinkers, but also in driving the reader to explore those thinkers further. By the end of the book, I was sad to see the thinkers go, but excited to dive into the original existentialist works with context that l has not realized I previously lacked.
steveinadelaide's review against another edition
challenging
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Sarah Bakewell's At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails isn't your typical dusty philosophy tome. Forget stuffy academics—Bakewell whisks you to smoky Parisian cafes where iconic thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir debated life's biggest questions over potent cocktails. The book's purpose? The goal is to make existentialism, a school of thought that questions everything from individual agency to the purpose of life itself, interesting and approachable to a wide audience.
Bakewell explores these intriguing figures' lives and ideas in great detail, bringing together biographies, philosophical writings, and historical background. We learn how Sartre's passionate affair with Beauvoir challenged traditional notions of love and relationships, and how their ideas clashed with the likes of Albert Camus, who emphasised individual rebellion against an absurd universe.
Bakewell's writing is a delight. Witty anecdotes and lively dialogue bring these philosophers to life, making their complex ideas feel fresh and relatable. Imagine existential angst explained over a game of billiards—that's the kind of vibe Bakewell creates. The structure is chronological, following the rise and fall of existentialism in the 20th century. While this keeps things clear, it can occasionally feel like jumping between characters.
One of the book's strengths is its impeccable research. Bakewell draws on letters, diaries, and obscure philosophical texts, making her account feel authoritative. She doesn't shy away from the messy personal lives of these thinkers, painting a nuanced picture that avoids hero worship.
While Bakewell does a fantastic job of explaining core existentialist concepts, some readers might crave a deeper exploration. Compared to dedicated philosophy texts, the book offers a lighter, more introductory approach. Still, Bakewell achieves her goal admirably. This isn't just an intellectual history; it's a story about love, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
If you're curious about existentialism but intimidated by jargon, this book is the perfect gateway. It's a thought-provoking read that will leave you pondering life's big questions over your own favourite beverage, existential crisis optional. If you are interested in philosophy or have ever wondered where you fit in the cosmos, you will find At the Existentialist Café to be a welcoming and fulfilling read.
veronicascottnova's review against another edition
5.0
This one was surprisingly and profoundly delightful, and not just because I will devour anything about De Beauvoir right now. It was expansive but with great small anecdotes that made the lives of existentialist philosophers come alive. It was witty, thoughtful, explored many perspectives, and beautifully blended people, relationships, history, and ideas. I laughed out loud at points, because the “cast of characters” is so quirky and outlandish, and yet so relatable. Again, LOVED this book.
cleocon's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0