The Stranger by Albert Camus
Re-reading this for the second time.
The first time, I read it in French as it's written in easy to digest French, perfect for students. Surprisingly I remembered most of the characteristics of the main character after all these years.
Reading it in English has brought some greater understanding of what Camus tried to convey. One stark difference I notice is when I first read it, no one in my close family or with whom I'm close to had passed away. Now they have. Earlier I couldn't understand how Meursault could just go on with his day after the death of his mother. Of course Camus exaggerates to convey his point.
Key takeaway from both reads: society looks at you as a framework and if you don't behave as per the accepted framework you're an outsider. Why else would the prosecution be more interested in the fact that Meursault didn't cry at his Maman's funeral.
Key takeaway from current read: what I missed the first time was on what basis the society creates these frameworks. It wants you to feel guilty, have fear of death and thus behave in a certain way.
I think I'll read this one again in another decade.
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