The Outsider Paperback – 12 Sept. 2016

Does what it says on the tin

The title of this modern French classic has been translated to English variously as “The Stranger” or “The Outsider”. As translator Sandra Smith explained in this 2012 Penguin edition, the notions of outsiderness, foreignness and strangeness connoted by the French word, “etranger” are encapsulated in the concept of the outsider that fully describes the protagonist, Meursault. He is “a stranger to himself, an outsider to society and a foreigner because he is a Frenchman in Algeria”.What is striking about Meursault immediately as the book opens is his reaction to the news of his mother’s death at an old folks’ home. He deals with it practically in terms of work and travel arrangements, and views the wake and funeral as necessary events to be tolerated. He is seemingly detached and unemotional throughout, but in his narration he is acutely sensitive to his physical surroundings and their impact on him, and he seems aware of how others may find this odd when he acknowledges in the second part of the book, that “physical sensation often got in the way of my emotions”.A spectator more than a participant in his own life, he often observes others’ behaviour and responds accordingly, though he is taciturn and coldly logical. Emotionally detached even when accepting the prospects of marriage with Marie, an ex-colleague he is physically attracted to but does not love, Meursault is nonetheless unflinchingly honest about his own feelings or lack of it. Because he is logical and non-judgemental, and is just vaguely interested in people and the problems they have in a clinical way, he soon draws the attention and friendship of an unpopular neighbour, Raymond, who is something of a cad and womaniser.Although the novel is very short, Camus gets under Meursault’s skin and builds up this complex character very quickly. Mersault may be odd in his views and actions, but he is ordinary enough to function in society, until he becomes tragically entwined in a series of chance events and relationships that eventually lead him to commit a grievous crime.At what point does someone who does not quite play by the conventional rules of society become a sociopath? Is there really providence for individual autonomy? Although he eventually comes face to face with his own mortality, Meursault asserts his rights and proclaims: “I have lived my life a certain way when I could have lived it another way. I had done one thing when I might have done something else. What difference did it make?”A profound and engaging work.

Thought provoking read 📚 i had no idea where it was heading.I wonder if this was John Grisham inspiration for the Chamber ?

There are not many 20th century French writers who surpass Camus in fame or importance and 'The Outsider' is one of his best known works. A study of not conforming to social convention, of somehow being integrated into the accepted societal fabric only on the surface, may not shock modern readers to the extent it would have after publication in 1942 and will have perhaps a less emotional effect on more mature readers than the coming of age ones but is fundamentally a very intriguing topic aptly handled by the author.Mersault, a pied noir in Algeria, who on the whole represents pretty much an average, normal existence is exposed to several - by common definition - life altering experiences, without having the expected, socially sanctioned response to them; something for which he ultimately needs to be judged.The author does little to make his character unduly likeable, something that must have been more novel for a protagonist back in 1942 than it is today. Mersault may be cold, living in the moment, somewhat sociopathic and only imperfectly adjusted - am outsider - but he also comes across as honest to himself and non-conformist as a result, irrespective of consequences.The book - in addition to the powerful impact on the culture, and thought provoking message for a teenage audience - is also wonderfully written. The prose is evocative and one really finds oneself at beaches in Algeria, smelling the cooking in the restaurants, the sweat on the buses and trams.As mentioned, the book will have different effects on readers, depending on age and prior experience. It raises some important questions for adolescents to grapple with, which may well produce a response at an emotional level, whereas it may appeal more at a cerebral level for an older audience.Possibly not as striking as first written, it - in my opinion - belongs to the 20th century classics that should be read (something that with its easy flowing prose and relatively short length does not require an insuperable effort to do).

And then there's Sartre's natural brother in outlook, Albert Camus. Where Jean Paul had his Nausea, Camus has this, L'Etranger. Some "translate" it literally as The Stranger. Others as The Outsider. Whichever option is chosen the same meaning is intended. One who doesn't really fit in. One who lives on the periphery as an alienated observer.In common with his existentialist kindred spirit, Camus went on to write much more, including the Plague, The Rebel and The Myth of Sysyphus. Once you enter into this world you're embarking on a voyage through one of the most captivating philosophical journeys available. The exploration of the existentialist experience which defined the times they lived through.