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A review by applesodaperson
The Plague by Albert Camus
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was an interesting one. I liked it , but it also was kind of forgettable, and didn't make that much of an impact on me. It has a very interesting premise. Actually, the beginnings of the plague and the quarantine reminded me of a lot of covid, and all the emotions it makes people go through. Like the fatigue of healthcare workers, the effort to distract yourself from the situation, and the despair of people who become separated because of the quarantine. And of course the fear of death, and the fear that things are never going to get better, and the plague will last forever.
Honestly the worst part about this book were the characters. I honestly don't know why, but I had an extremely hard time remembering the characters and their names and who was who. Really the only person that stuck in my mind was the doctor, but even now I cannot for the life of me remember his name. I think one thing that contributed to this was the fact that basically every character and especially the main character, was a middle aged man. Yeah this book definitely does not pass that Bechtel test. But it also just led to the characters blurring together, especially with them all being in the same situation and physical location. It just wouldn't stick in my mind, even though this book is fairly long.
Overall, this book was good, and had some interesting philosophical thoughts about evil and sin. But it just ended up not catching my attention very well, and feeling forgettable.
Honestly the worst part about this book were the characters. I honestly don't know why, but I had an extremely hard time remembering the characters and their names and who was who. Really the only person that stuck in my mind was the doctor, but even now I cannot for the life of me remember his name. I think one thing that contributed to this was the fact that basically every character and especially the main character, was a middle aged man. Yeah this book definitely does not pass that Bechtel test. But it also just led to the characters blurring together, especially with them all being in the same situation and physical location. It just wouldn't stick in my mind, even though this book is fairly long.
Overall, this book was good, and had some interesting philosophical thoughts about evil and sin. But it just ended up not catching my attention very well, and feeling forgettable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death and Death