The Myth of Sisyphus

By: Albert Camus

Narrated by: Edoardo Ballerini

Length: 5 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the most influential works of this century, The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays is a crucial exposition of existentialist thought. Influenced by works such as Don Juan and the novels of Kafka, these essays begin with a meditation on suicide; the question of living or not living in a universe devoid of order or meaning.

With lyric eloquence, Albert Camus brilliantly posits a way out of despair, reaffirming the value of personal existence and the possibility of life lived with dignity and authenticity.

©1955 Alfred A. Knopf. Inc. (P)2019 Recorded Books

Beautiful Narrator

truthfully, I did not fully understand this book. Yet somehow, I know that within it's pages is something that has immense value and eternal beauty.
Top notch narrator. would recommend.

Truly smart and thoughtful

Lovely philosophical sentiments that draw on existential philosophy. His writing is truly art. Must listen

Talisman for diminishing suicide in our times

The Myth of Sisyphus, by Albert Camus, and narrated by Edoardo Ballerini. The essay(s) will provide insight into the meaningfulness of life. The essay(s) seek out and find the purpose for living even if you are a nihilist, an atheist, or a depressed bigot; and you believe the people you distaste are becoming ubiquitous, this read or listen will make you overcome that negativity.

Camus is not an easy read. First, because his vocabulary is advanced, and he will express himself in five-dollar words. There is nothing simple in his lexicon. Further, do not be surprised if you find dozens of sentences with three words you need to look up in the dictionary to recalculate the subtlety of its meaning. (You will find though his chosen words are precisely communicative.) Notwithstanding his diction, what he seeks to explain to the reader is not something that can be expressed in words: the world is strange and unfathomable yet there is something there to appreciate although what that is will never be known, so go at it with exuberance. Yes, I know that is not easy to grasp but neither is Camus. Hint – if you do take on the entertainment make sure you grasp what Camus means by the word absurd.

If you choose this intellectually gratifying challenge, be prepared for a reading that is only a little easier then Ulysses by James Joyce. Yet, it will get you to a better place in life; happier with what you have. It is the talisman for diminishing suicide in our times.

CAPTIVATING, ENTHRALLING, MASTERPIECE

I have read this book at least three times back to back! It is brilliantly authored and narrated. The author is brilliant in his description of the myth of Sisyphus. I like how he is deep and analytical of the abstract man! He looks at suicide in a way I had never looked at it! I love to drive and listen to him. He submerged my thoughts in a metaphysical world like no one else could! Most importantly, I am able to learn from him a writing style embellished with the fusion of simplicity, complexity and mystic vision.

Camus’ Essays at his very Best

Most Wonderfully read of the best essays of Camus, who is known for his great novels, especially “The Stranger” that I highly recommend in the Audible selection. This collection of essays present his philosophy of the Absurd in Existentialism. Camus deeply believed that the Primary Philosophical Act of Life is the Ultimate Question of Suicide in the Shakespearean Realm of “To Be or not to Be” in his Hamlet Drama. Since we all choose Life, it is our moral obligation to seek Happiness, and no matter how difficult or Absurd Life seems at times, the Will and Hope to attain a Blissful moment of Happiness is worth it all as his enlightening “Myth of Sisyphus” exemplifies. All these essays have many Gems of Wisdom conveyed in them and Albert Camus is a marvelous writer. You will not be disappointed in this edifying listening experience. I plowed through these exceptional essays and reaped the harvest of the Quest we all should attend to in our Search for Our Creator. Gloria Deo In Excelsis, the Giver of our True Happiness here on His Earthly Paradise as the Hopefulness of what’s to Come. Heaven and Hell are not geographical locations but states of mind. Be Mindful as you Enjoy these essays! Peace. Shalom, Shalom. Watch The Chosen!

Narrator Reduces Material to Open Mic Night

This Edoardo Ballerini is awful. I've heard him in other books and really butchers the material. I prefer listen to a book and its contents rather than the cloying, over acted, heavily wistful performance. It's too bad this is a great book with fascinating ideas. Unfortunately the narrator reduces it to open mic night at the local coffee house...beret included.

Adapting an outlook and acceptance

The French philosopher's take on life and why it is worth living in an absurd world and why you must imagine Sisyphus happy.
This was a refreshing read. I felt out of my depth reading this book, but there was still enough I could grab onto and benefit from. The prose was interesting and kept it from becoming dense. Each paragraph was packed with meaning. I am looking forward to reading this again less casually and digging into some of the deeper thoughts.
If I had one complaint (and this is me grasping at straws to find a complaint), it would be that if you were looking for practical actionable advice this book doesn't have it. Rather it is more on adapting an outlook and acceptance.
It is an encouraging book that often led to me greeting the day with a brighter outlook and for that I am thankful. This book ranks right up there with my favorites.

WWII Suicide Prevention

Along with Fromm's Escape from Freedom this book is good training in suicide
prevention for the future thinking people of the World Wars 3 & 4 although by the time of world war 5 the thoughtful people will be either extinct or incapable o such subtle thought. that's when the new Camus must arise! raw.atx

Great book discussing existentialism!

I've been listening to more on existentialism and so far Albert Camus doesn't disappoint!

An enlightening take on a worthy absurd life

Edoardo Ballerini gave an excellent recitation of Albert Camus book. While I found Camus' arguments well stated and even compelling, he ends up covering the main arguments repeatedly which made the 2nd half of book somewhat tiring.