Read the Outsider only...
I am glad that this novel is short as it certainly gives you a lot to think about and to take in – it was not a book I read over to cover in one evening. I had to savour, digest and think long and hard about the themes that came up. For example, the characters rejection of normality with his acquaintances and even his own mother shocks you but yet raises the essential question of why we have a bond with certain people in our lives but not with others? Certainly, Camus simplistic way of writing holds your attention but yet makes you uncomfortable as you ponder your own morality and that of the society around you.

Meursault, the main character of this novel is an unusual character that comes from a widely different way of thinking. His outlook on life is obtuse and widely different from your average person.

Meursault makes me smile in certain parts of the book as his lack of hang ups and living in the moment ideology really raises eyebrows but he can be annoying with his laid back, almost unfeeling way of being. He angered me with his callousness toward some, especially toward the violence shown to Raymond’s girlfriend.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the way Meursault talks directly to you as if you are in the room with him and makes no apologies for who he is or what he does – he expects you to accept him and if you don’t then that’s OK too – his honesty is refreshing at some points. In a way, you almost admire him for his ability to live in the moment and being free to be who he wants to be.
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Read the Outsider only...
I am glad that this novel is short as it certainly gives you a lot to think about and to take in – it was not a book I read over to cover in one evening. I had to savour, digest and think long and hard about the themes that came up. For example, the characters rejection of normality with his acquaintances and even his own mother shocks you but yet raises the essential question of why we have a bond with certain people in our lives but not with others? Certainly, Camus simplistic way of writing holds your attention but yet makes you uncomfortable as you ponder your own morality and that of the society around you.

Meursault, the main character of this novel is an unusual character that comes from a widely different way of thinking. His outlook on life is obtuse and widely different from your average person.

Meursault makes me smile in certain parts of the book as his lack of hang ups and living in the moment ideology really raises eyebrows but he can be annoying with his laid back, almost unfeeling way of being. He angered me with his callousness toward some, especially toward the violence shown to Raymond’s girlfriend.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the way Meursault talks directly to you as if you are in the room with him and makes no apologies for who he is or what he does – he expects you to accept him and if you don’t then that’s OK too – his honesty is refreshing at some points. In a way, you almost admire him for his ability to live in the moment and being free to be who he wants to be.
( )