After two months of Philippa Gregory's of interchangeable queens, anti climaxes and ridiculously unfulfilled endings, I chose to go with one of those books that has been screaming at you 'READ ME'... the one that you ALWAYS pick up and fiddle in a book shop and never buy.
Well I picked it up and so glad for it as it is one of the most exquisite books I've ever read.
Rough Idea
The book centres around Meursault, an Algerian who seemingly irrationally kills an Arab man whom he recognises in French Algiers. The quiet, reserved and observant Meursault loses his Mother to the effects of old age. The world can't understand Meursault's nature, his inability to express emotion or embellish his language. They see him as an outsider, and Meursault ends up being punished for this in the cruellest and most saddening way
What I loved Most
The protagonists observations are some of the most honest and beautiful to conjure in the mind. Camus has a skill of pulling the passing moments in life that we often miss and making them magical. The author writes with the effect of as if one is sitting and soaking in a large painting, so many beautiful things to discover that are often taken for granted in our day to day life. I really enjoyed these pockets of voyeurism dotted throughout the book, I felt like I was sitting next to him on his balcony, watching the people go by.
Why Read?
The shelves are flooded with get rich quick books, and series of fashionable titles like the Phillipa Gregory's that, don't get me wrong, while I enjoyed the historical context, romance and bloody betrayal, they lacked a depth. Not only does this book have depth, it has a soul. It's a work truly born not just of Camus's hand but also his heart - this couldn't be more apparent, and such a pleasure to read. It's a haunting novel and it stayed with me for days, it also made me question a lot of things about society, and myself. Meursault isn't a character that I'll ever forget. I would highly recommend this read to anyone, and if you do start it - don't be put off by the stunted short sentences, you'll begin to understand this rhythm, and attribute it to your protagonist, that like me you'll be so glad you met.
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