A critical introduction to "The Stranger" by Albert Camus (as translated by Matthew Ward) suitable for students from high school up to undergraduate level as well as for the general reader.This edition will cease to be available Feb 28th, 2015 as a new updated, revised edition will be available in February.
My second favorite of Camus's trilogy (Stranger, Plague, Fall), with the Plague topping the list. The book introduces the reader to the concept of the absurd. The character development is quite fascinating and much has been written about it and the plot/story development which I will not repeat here. I suggest reading Sartre's commentary on The Stranger as a good reference, along with Camus's The Myth of Sisyphus. You will need to spend some time on this book to understand what Camus is trying to convey in his character. I read the book in high school and then in college. This was my third time, many years later, and the story unfolded for me much more smoothly. Invest in it and you will get more out of it.
The Stranger by Albert Camus is a book worth reading more than once. The first time I read it was in my French 3 class, and I have to admit that I lost a lot in my translation. This time my husband and I listened to most of the book on our drive home from the beach. It is not a cheery book, considering it is about the futility of life. The main character, Marceaux, had a very negative and bland view of life. My husband and I enjoyed discussing portions of the book. We have great hope for this life and the life to come, being devoted to Christ and His teachings, but our hearts went out to poor Marceaux who did not take his own life or the lives of anyone around him seriously, and suffered ultimate consequences for his apathy and indecision.