Reviews with content warning for Confinement - The Stranger

One of the best unreliable narrators I've ever read! It gives you so much to think about when the writing is very objective and emotionless yet everything is still warped by Mr. Mersault's own perspective. There are so many layers that I couldn't possibly fathom everything despite this being my second time reading the book, but it was an interesting experience nonetheless. Marie was my favourite character, I wouldn't mind reading a whole book from her perspective.

extra .25 stars for one of the most iconic opening lines ever :)

Content Warnings

tungstenmouse's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

During part 1, I wondered why people see this book as so important. Part 2 answered that question and really made me think. I was prepared to give this 3 stars or less but the second half as well as the perspectives from the translator and the scholars in notes at the end of the book really helped bring up my rating. This was definitely worth the listen for the ideas it presents.

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h0neybear's review against another edition

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reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Wouldn’t expect a book like this to be so damn entertaining but it really is. Mersault’s narration is interesting and at times funny and it certainly keeps a reader hooked.

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klor's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I don't think Camus has ever predicted the nihilistic gen-z humor when he wrote this. Honestly, Mersault has made me nose exhale a bunch of time throughout the book though I get that this portrayal was to make people think and not amuse or endear them of him.

That aside, the narrative was pretty slow at first then tied all of its ends together as the story unfolds in the second part of the story. Camus' words are descriptive and gorgeous and you feel like you're actually Mersault.

I do think it's interesting how reflective this trial seems to be of even the modern ones going on, of having spectators assume who you are and what you've done based on how they perceive your warmth or coldness in court. I love that the story ends ambiguously, freedom but also not, a thunderous applause to a story that started slow

Content Warnings

seawarrior's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

While I'm not entirely sure I understood the philosophy of this book, I did find it interesting and engaging to divulge into Meursault's apathetic perspective. The short, bold sentences were easy to follow, creating a quick pace for the book as Meursault headed towards doom. I don't have much else to say about the book right now. I enjoyed the absurdity of it, and how Meursault's distance from human emotions both repulsed me and made sense. I would definitely like to read it again academically if I have the opportunity, and my only real grievance with it is how the characters' racism and misogyny seem almost accepted within the narrative.

Content Warnings

beauvisseau's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The story left a great sadness with me, although it is hard to put my finger on the reason for this. I believe that the main character, who was convinced of his stoicism, was subconsciously only led by emotions. He only really channeled these emotions through violent actions. It was almost as if he was in the backseat on the ride of his life. No love, no sadness, no anger. It made me realize that we need more 'sturm und drang', that we should grasp the joyous moments and shout from the rooftops.

Content Warnings

toshka_and_her_books's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Content Warnings

dniespal's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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