A review by startjpw23
The Stranger by Albert Camus

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book is set in Algeria. The time isn't specified, but it appears to be somewhere between the early and mid-20th century. Algeria is still under French rule. The featured characters are all French. The book doesn't detail any native Algerians in depth. The protagonist is a man who kind of glides through life. He doesn't really think deeply before he does things. He has a job that he does well. Co-workers and friends like him. Early on, he becomes friends with an unsavory character and aids this character in doing something I found very disturbing. From then on, I really didn't like the protagonist. About halfway through the book, a crime is committed. The remainder of the book is the aftermath of the crime. Jail. A trial. The language in the book is beautiful. Descriptions of really hot days, beaches, the sky, etc. were very vivid. I could picture them. For me, this book was just okay. I was glad I read it. It doesn't make me want to search out more books by Camus.  
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