The Stranger by Albert CamusMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Stranger truly lives up to its name. Meursault is an outsider in every sense, disconnected from society, distant from family and friends, indifferent to morality, detached from religion, and seemingly devoid of purpose. As the novel unfolds, it becomes clear that societies are structured to penalize those who refuse to conform. In this way, Meursault not only remains estranged from those around him but ultimately finds himself alienated from the law as well.
Unlike many protagonists who are cast as either noble heroes or tragic figures, Meursault is neither. Readers are unlikely to admire or even respect him. However, because the novel is written in the first person, we gain insight into his thought process, making it difficult to completely despise him. My reaction to him was a mix of frustration and reluctant empathy. I found his character unworthy in many ways, yet I couldn’t ignore the role that fate, upbringing, and circumstance may have played in shaping him.
For a relatively short book, The Stranger left a lasting impact on me. It may do the same for you. What struck me most was the unsettling realization that Meursault is not an anomaly. There are likely thousands, if not millions, of people in the world who think and behave as he does. And perhaps, they are not entirely to blame for becoming who they are. Regardless of the cause, the thought that so many people might spend their entire lives as outsiders, disconnected and adrift, is deeply unsettling.
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