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

Fine rendering of an obscure novel

Not obscure in terms of literary fame, of course, but quite opaque in what Camus is trying to explicate. Good narrator, of a book I suppose everyone should read, but it is an unsatisfactory read to say the least.

Exquisite

Camus story and plot are extremely subtle yet enticing. The main character is thought provoking and perfectly odd.

apparently this is a classic, but

I don't understand French literature enough to see why this is a classic. overall it is short, and not a terrible book

camus' perspective

a mans step into nihilism was his last. great insight to guiding a man without religion and what his life comes to when forgoing the care for those around him. when you follow the inherent possibility of ambivalence towards every thing and yourself, everything behind you is just as meaningless as what remains for the future. only the present matters and when that moment is gone, so are you.

nice

very good book I like the subtle descriptions and inner thoughts of the character pizza

a little slow, but towards the end it’s great!

I found myself struggling to get interested in the beginning, i found the protagonist to be a bit insufferable ❤️ But towards the later chapters, I found myself, feeing sorry for him. I’m conflicted in my sympathy for him, but that’s the joy of reading this book.

Wildly enthralling

How beautiful. Fifteen words are required but i only needed the two to express how i felt after reading :(

Much to do, much to ponder

For all of the talk about a book that not only has endured the test of time and still continues to inspire people some eighty years after its publication date, far more has been said about the book than the book itself says. What do I have to say about it? Nothing more incisive than what others have said before, but the writing invites a closer read. The Stranger has a light impact if not a profound and far reaching effect, that speaks to the experience of generations of readers.

Calming

I didn’t expect to like it. The book left me with an overwhelming calm. The politics unfortunately were typical of Camus. Algerian characters don’t even have lines.

Different when you listen

What made the experience of listening to The Stranger the most enjoyable?

Having read and taught the novel for years, I had a very different experience when listening to it. It gave me a new appreciation for the rhythm of the narrative.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This is the novel that defines existentialism. Well read and presented here.