1000 Books Before You Die discussion

The Stranger by Albert Camus

Also called “The Outsider” in some translations. I wasn’t sure what to expect of this book, but found I couldn’t put it down! It was beautifully written & translated. Very sad but thought-provoking, as it seemed to emphasise how easy it is to make assumptions about people & to judge them unfairly based on those assumptions.

I think that The Outsider fits the book better than the stranger. I remember studying it in first year of university, where we learned that this book is a good example of alienation- a person who does not fit into the society of his time.
Since you enjoyed this book, Trisha, I recommend The Plague by Camus (my favourite).

Rosemarie wrote: "I think that The Outsider fits the book better than the stranger. I remember studying it in first year of university, where we learned that this book is a good example of alienation- a person who d..."

Thanks for this, it’s interesting to know more about it. I assume you read the original French version, though I was impressed by the translation. Some books don’t flow properly, but from reading this one I would never have guessed it wasn’t written in English originally. I’ll look up the other book too.

I did read it in French. The language is clear, with lots of meaning in simple words, so it would lend itself well to translation.
Who was the translator for the version you read, Trisha?

I remember I read it in French in middle school I think it was. I remember to have liked it, but couldn't tell you much about the story. I think a reread is in order.

Rosemarie wrote: "I did read it in French. The language is clear, with lots of meaning in simple words, so it would lend itself well to translation.
Who was the translator for the version you read, Trisha?"

I’m so sorry - somehow I missed seeing this comment before. The translator was Sandra Smith (I read the Penguin Classics version of the book).

No problem. 🙂