The Stranger

By: Albert Camus

Narrated by: Jonathan Davis

Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Albert Camus' The Stranger is one of the most widely read novels in the world, with millions of copies sold. It stands as perhaps the greatest existentialist tale ever conceived, and is certainly one of the most important and influential books ever produced. Now, for the first time, this revered masterpiece is available as an unabridged audio production.

When a young Algerian named Meursault kills a man, his subsequent imprisonment and trial are puzzling and absurd. The apparently amoral Meursault, who puts little stock in ideas like love and God, seems to be on trial less for his murderous actions, and more for what the authorities believe is his deficient character.

This remarkable translation by Matthew Ward has been considered the definitive English version since its original publication. It unlocks the prose as no other English version has, allowing the listener to soak up the richness of Camus' ideas.

©1988 Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Superb Narration

A narrator is so important that he or she can make a bad book or break a good book.

In this case, a great book is done even more justice by the narration. Highly recommended.

beautiful reading

I sat and listened almost non-stop to this excellent reading of The Sranger. Davis is obviously very familiar with the work and his rendition improved my understanding.

Now a hardcore Camus fan.

I worship Dostoevsky, Kafka, Kipling, Conrad, Melville, and now Camus.

I simply could not get as much out of this book without its narrator, for I have not his ability to read. I worry that it influences me too much. At the same time he demonstrates there is no right way to read this book. One of course credits the author for this, and I think the narrator does so with his quiet, intense performance. Hope he's the guy that narrates The Plague.

A quick but good read.

An enjoyable book, but at times frustrating, hoping the main character would react differently, or just react for that matter, to situations.

Perfect Narration, Great Book!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It's a classic book, and Jonathan Davis' narration puts you right into the feeling of the time and place and Meursault's state of mind.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Meursault. I felt deep compassion for him.

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Davis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. But, I will be looking for him. His voice for this story and character was the perfect tone.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Exceptional work by Camus and Davis

Jonathan Davis haa done an incredible job. I enjoyes the recording and will look into other books recordes by Mr. Davis.

the story begins right at the end

This was my first Camus book. I was perplexed by the story - I dare say an ordinary, seemingly insignificant and unexciting sequence of events. It is only towards the end as the book draws to a close that intense insight and perhaps introspection wells up. The meaningfulness escalates late but rapidly, and in the last 30mins (perhaps even so little as 10mins) the book went from check-list read to one of the most profound reads I have ever covered.

If the listener is not prepared to think much further than the actual story that is being told, this may be an underwhelming disappointment. If you are prepared to stop and ask yourself "what just happened here" - the book will find a prominent place in your library.

A must read French classic

I like the translation (French to English); the story flows nicely, sensible and engrossing. I did some research on the author Albert Camus, and some reading about his philosophy known as absurdism before listening to the book. That helped me in appreciating the book better. A great short listen!

Narrator is great but the story is not capturing.

Narrator is great but the story is not capturing. I struggled to finish it. It's boring.

Camus' existential message is extraordinary!

I'm grateful to have learned about this, 'The Stranger.' Absolutely mind changing story, tracendental blast. Embracing and captivating from start to finish, especially its end. I chuckled at many points. I can now appreciate various stark facts about life with Camus' impetus perception from this portraial of reality. Calamity w/0 a soul?? No. I don't think so. Hooray Meursault, in a very exciting (intense) ending!!