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chloe_jade's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It greatly concerns me how many people I’ve witnessed say they relate heavily to Meursault when in actuality they are incredibly introspective, deep-feeling, anxious and empathetic souls. Meursault’s complete lack of remorse and detachment to grief, love, connection and empathy appeared to point to psychopathy more than anything else.
I say this because the alienation was from a perpetual state of apathetic indifference to absolutely everything, not a temporary state of mind in which many of us have experienced. It’s not that he merely objects societal norms, he has no emotional access to any sort of morals or purpose. It’s a glass wall between his psyche and the world that cannot be shattered.
Meursault is incapable at lying to anyone, including himself. Even when his life is on the line, everything is matter-of-fact and insignificant.
I thoroughly enjoyed the prose on the sensory overload. I was mystified as to how Marie remained attached and loyal to such an empty vessel of a man - there was no backstory on her but this was very apt since the narrator was Meursault himself and well… it doesn’t make any difference to him.
Absolutely adored the final few pages. The interpretations could be debated to no end I’m sure, it’s simpler to pair up with Camus’ essays on absurdism. If you don’t enjoy thinking philosophically, the entire novella will likely bore you to death.
I say this because the alienation was from a perpetual state of apathetic indifference to absolutely everything, not a temporary state of mind in which many of us have experienced. It’s not that he merely objects societal norms, he has no emotional access to any sort of morals or purpose. It’s a glass wall between his psyche and the world that cannot be shattered.
Meursault is incapable at lying to anyone, including himself. Even when his life is on the line, everything is matter-of-fact and insignificant.
I thoroughly enjoyed the prose on the sensory overload. I was mystified as to how Marie remained attached and loyal to such an empty vessel of a man - there was no backstory on her but this was very apt since the narrator was Meursault himself and well… it doesn’t make any difference to him.
Absolutely adored the final few pages. The interpretations could be debated to no end I’m sure, it’s simpler to pair up with Camus’ essays on absurdism. If you don’t enjoy thinking philosophically, the entire novella will likely bore you to death.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
readerxan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
Minor: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, and Alcohol