Alice Kaplan

Insights into Camus’ Stranger. An English professor investigates the background and history of Camus’ The Stranger - which won the Nobel prize and was often used as an example of exploring existentialist philosophy - although Camus denied that. It follows Camus throughout his life until his death and examines his struggles with writing the Stranger - as well as his indebtedness to other writers. I certainly ended with a deeper appreciation of the book.
I just recently read the book and as a 78 year old retired surgeon perhaps have a different perspective on the concept of life as ‘absurd.’ I saw too many people undergo potentially life threatening procedures and struggle to stay alive and recover to be able to identify with the idea of life as ‘absurd’ and that suicide is a legitimate choice. Nonetheless I find the book and its examination fascinating.… (mere)