Reviews

Less absurd and more “pointless,” I have nothing to say about this book other than it has nothing to recommend it. I’d sooner read about paint drying on walls than read another sentence from the mouth of Meursault. I quite like Camus’ love letters so I was hoping for at least something entertaining, but I can’t even be entertained by hating this book it was that bland.

sydneyunyi's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.5

It started off really well, and the part when he murders the Arab I was shocked. Then the trial went on. Here some of my favorite quotes, “my fate was being decided without anyone so much as asking my opinion.” (98) “Given the position i’d been in, I couldn’t talk to anyone in that way again, I didn’t have the right to show any feeling or goodwill.” (100) “The presiding Judge told me in a bizarre language that I was to have my head cut off.” (107) What really took the rating down was the ending with the Chaplin arguing with each other. It seemed pointless.

silverfronds's review against another edition

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1.5

Written By A Man Syndrome

balladam's review against another edition

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5.0

while i didn’t understand it at first, i eventually saw the method in the madness. i read this at the perfect time, it helped me understand my past relationships more and even some of my own feelings. next time, i’ll read it in french.

ahmed_suliman's review against another edition

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1.0

He wasted my time reading about a nincompoop wasting his existence and it's okay with him

frostap's review against another edition

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4.0

At times, this book reminded me of "The Unconsoled" (though that may have just been the confused male first-person narrator). "The Stranger" is a quick read, but also a little troubling (but isn't that the nature of absurdist literature?). The protagonist questions free will in the context of a social contract and finds himself a stranger to the world. I couldn't help thinking about criminals (since I know very few) and wondering how often they feel this same disassociation with the greater world.

sofiiaivann's review against another edition

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challenging dark hopeful reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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