The Stranger | Book Review and interpretation.

When I first heard about The Stranger by Albert Camus I was reluctant to reading it. Simply because I heard too much of it. It is natural for me to dimiss a book assuming it is overrated. But the vacation mood had caught onto me and while, I was in a bookshop in Utrecht I decided to purchase it and give it a try. I was indeed proven wrong and I'm glad to have read it. This book was a breeze of fresh air.

The edition was by Penguin Books paperback featuring an artistic red splatter design on the cover. And the title was "The Outsider". The translation was by Joseoh Laredo.

One of the things I loved about The Stranger is that It's simplicity and length does not overide it's depth and meaning. This is a book that shows that it's size does not determine its value but the words, ideas and narrative within it does. It does not need to be theatrical loud, nor dramatic. It simply needs to shift away the spotlight from it'self to reveal a truth. 

The beginning of the book was like entering a cave. I came seeking gold yet my eyes were blind. All that I could see was stone. It was dreadful and hard to sit through. It upset me that it was unmoving, and unengaging. Truly depressing. I believe now it was intentional. Because to read meant to partake in Meursault's, (The protagonist) raw unfiltered experience. Regardless of how unpleasant it was. We have no choice but to be trapped with him. From the old people's home after his mother's death, all the way to the jail cell he ended up in. I think these forced moments of intimacy are tools to help us understand him deeply, and eventually help us enjoy the good moments as well.

Meursault is very human despite how others might frame him. It's important we don't miss the fact that he is in some way relatable. The bright room giving him a headache, him being fond of white coffee and sharing a cigarette with the care taker, a moment where he felt self conscious of the old men thinking they are staring at him in judgement, The detail of him eating eggs out of the pan, forgetting the bread, and even at the end, in his most darkest moments we see that he is desperately attempting to entertain himself in his jail cell, playing memory exercises about his room, Thinking of his loved ones.

I love moments like this. I found a relief at the beach and at the scenes coming after that. I loved seeing his social circle and dynamics at play. It built a strong contrast between the cold robotic atmosphere we expect for him to carry and the humanity we can find within him. 

There was no cruel motives in helping Raymond, simply passive compliance and indifference. When Mersault explains himself, he says nothing but the truth.

 Radical truth is his sword yet it pierced him straight for he had no armour. 

My favourite moment was when he was in jail and he answered that he killed an arab after a bunch of arabs asked him what he has done. They went silent, probably terrified of him but he was not playing any games or attempting to make threats. He was simply telling the truth. The truth threatened them and him not holding back or having a filter made him seem more dangerous. We don't know why he killed him. Meursault's reasoning is "because of the sun" whether it was a reflex, sensory overload or simply indifference again. It does not matter for this book. Absurdism is it's core value anyway.

To summerize this experience I would say this book earns 8 sea horses out of 10! 

It is short, yet thought provoking. It is a book you can read while reading another book and I think it should be read at least once. I hope you enjoyed this review. it is my first time writing a book review in my blog so I hope this is acceptable and I'm hoping to continue this series.

I attempted to read 'A Happy Death' by the same author but bought a different translation which I did not enjoy. I'm hoping at least that my next read will be as enjoyable as this.

Have a good one

it is so easy to forget the sun.

“You need to give yourself a slack sometimes. Don't forget to enjoy the sun”

      "It is so easy to forget the sun”

Neil doesn't know this, but a part of me wished for the sun to disappear. I have been eagerly waiting for harsh weather to arrive. The absence of warmth – I embrace it 

  We haven't had a chance to text because we have been so occupied with life.

As of late, I keep immersing myself in my work. Treating it as though it is my life long career. And rightfully so, This is not only a restaurant where I thrive at but a place I have been yearning. I get to serve others with warmth in a community full of characters so complex, fascinating and unique. I am finally among intellects and professors, I pass by books every day. My passion is burning like fire and the adrenaline is rushing through my body like speed. I am at home, where I am both being physically and mentally challenged.

The attempt to squeeze a sparkle of peace today was unsuccessful, I admit.

...For work occupies my mind. It bleeds into my personal life. Some of my co-workers are also my neighbours and some are just a challenge that it is impossible not to analyse them and process the situations they put me through. But I think Neil is right. I should cut myself some slack.

Neil and I always find something to talk about. It's how it has been from the beginning. When we first met I was a tourist on my first solo trip and he was a stranger. I was tremendously lonely that day and visiting the museum did not fulfill the human connection that I lacked.

 

As I waited in line at the café he looked over at the owl plush attached to my travel bag.

      “I like your owl” he said.

And thus, it all began .

 He invited me for coffee and we became one mind, swimming in deep conversations as though we already knew one another. His inner world is as rich as mine. 

The only thing that is separating us now is the ocean. I'm hoping December will come wrapped nicely as a gift.

Adoration of Autumn | Introduction

 

"September,

Your wind caresses my skin reminding me you have not abandoned me. Naturally, when the guest arrives it's  impossible not to fall on one's knees and pour out creativity. I adore how you get darker earlier. Seeing your little minions slugs out and about celebrating the night. Your smell is like no other. You are kinder than the sun."

I was walking downtime earlier in the evening. It was the first time today where my mind was quiet and truly in the moment. I appreciated the beauty of my town. I love seeing the familiar faces. Those subtle reminders are what I crave.

Call me Mills. I am a 21 year old from a small hill town. Often times, I wonder if I am trapped in a book for so many things are happening to me. I work in the big city which is not far away at all. Being a waitress in a café that is also a bookshop is convenient because I love to read and I love people. It is rather foolish... I admit for this job is only temporary but I feel great fulfilment when I work. I thank God for that. 

I want to share with you my adventures. I want you to see what I see; How beautiful everything is ! Perhaps it's the falling leaves talking but today I am in love with the world.