"The Stranger (The Outsider) " Book Review - Albert Camus' Absurd Masterpiece

Albert Camus' "The Stranger", one of the most famous novels of the 20th century, is a short read, however, the impression it left on me will be long-lasting. This book was arduous for me to review, but I hope that I have conveyed at least a little bit of the beauty that is Camus' writing.

The plot of "The Stranger" centres on Mersault, a man who is incapable of feeling emotions, even upon his mother's death. When he commits a murder out of pure caprice, his apathy is seen as evidence of his guilt, and justification for his subsequent incarceration.

Unlike in "The Myth of Sisyphus", Camus' writing throughout this novel is laconic. Yet he manages to convey profound meaning and evoke vivid imagery through his writing. He emotionally involves us in the story, making us ponder upon our own lives.

The major absurd theme explored in this novel is the inevitability of death. Mersault comes to terms with his mortality, and realises that no matter how good, bad, long or short a life he lived, it would eventually come to an end. The idea of mortality seems harrowing, but this epiphany leaves him liberated, and gives him a sense of closure. 

This leads to the question - what is the point of it all? Mersault accepts that human life is insignificant. However this does not mean that life is not worth living. Mersault, does not allow this certainty to depress him, he enjoyed his life while it lasted. Camus, instead of engendering a feeling of existential dread within us, implores us to appreciate our evanescent lives.

This novel is also a commentary on the standards we as a society enforce upon other 'outsiders'. Mersault's apathy towards his mother's death is seen as something which is 'inhuman'. Mersault speaks exactly what he feels, but since he does not conform to what is regarded as 'human', he is condemned. In fact, his detachment is seen as evidence for his offence. He is constantly indoctrinated to speak, to feel, to act a certain way, but he transgresses.

Still, this book left me with more questions than answers, as an absurd creation should. I feel that I have far more to construe from it. But that elusiveness is where the brilliance of Camus' work lies. 

In conclusion, this is a book is a compelling read. Camus will make you confront your notions on our existence, and will leave an enduring impact on your life.