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Book Review of The Stranger

The Stranger
constantki avatar reviewed on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


The Stranger is a book that I sometimes had a difficult time reading because of how strongly it hit me. This book raises a lot of philosophical questions about the meaning of existence and also what it means to be a "stranger" and how we should react to those who are different.
The voice of the main character Meursault was a joy to read. He was very obviously separated from normal human emotion and the people around him; preferring to focus on the inconsequential and not letting expectations affect him. I could not necessarily relate to him, but I could appreciate his point of view enough to realize that he was a victim of his society and the "norms" within. I felt very close to Meursault, and I think that this is why he works. Although he is so different from me, I can see a lot of myself and my fears in him.
Finally, the ending of this novel was simply perfect. This idea of the gentle indifference of the world and how it relates to Meursault's story resonated with me so much that I just can't even.