The Foreigner - Albert Camus

In The Foreigner (the title is often translated as The Stranger), Albert Camus delivers a compelling exploration of absurdity, existentialism, and the meaning of life through the story of Meursault, a detached and emotionally indifferent man living in Algiers. The novel begins with the death of Meursault's mother, an event he reacts to with cold indifference, setting the tone for his peculiar relationship with the world around him. As the story unfolds, Meursault becomes entangled in a senseless act of violence-killing an Arab man on a sun-drenched beach for no apparent reason.

Throughout the trial that follows, society is bewildered by Meursault's lack of remorse and emotional detachment, not just for the murder but for his entire existence. The court seems more concerned with his indifference to his mother's death than the crime itself, using it as evidence of his moral character, or lack thereof. As Meursault confronts the inevitable consequences of his actions, he is forced to grapple with the absurdity of life, the inevitability of death, and the absence of a deeper meaning to existence.

Camus' novel is a profound meditation on the human condition and the isolation one feels in a world that appears to be without order or reason. It challenges readers to question their own assumptions about justice, morality, and the search for meaning. With its stark, minimalist prose and philosophical depth, The Foreigner remains one of the most influential works of the 20th century, embodying Camus' philosophy of the absurd and inviting readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about existence.

Includes an introduction from the Editor.