The Stranger

I don't know what to do with The Stranger.

If The Stranger is Camus' exploration of the absurdity of existence through a sociopathic neurodivergent protagonist whose idiosyncracies represent the strengths and weaknesses of nihilistic worldviews, then this is a five star novel, worthy of its place in the canon.

If The Stranger is Camus' exploration of the absurdity of existence through a brave young protagonist whose disinclination to follow social norms is employed as a referendum against such passe conventions, and whose enslavement to his personal appetites is portrayed as an elevated consciousness, than I say this novel can drift in the way of all nihilistic thought: into circular, self defeating irrelevance.

The writing I enjoyed. The wrestling with authorial intent I enjoyed. The protagonist, Meursault, I did not enjoy in the least, and still am not sure whether or not that was Camus' intent.

It's short and sharply written – read and decide for yourself!