French Book Club: L'étranger (option 2)

***Meeting option 2***
You can attend either this meeting or meeting of Wednesday, April 24. We'll be discussing the entire book in each one.
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Next up: we tackle Albert Camus's novel, "L'étranger" (The Stranger). This is a great opportunity to read one of the 20th century's most celebrated works in the original language!

Background of 'L'étranger': Published in 1942, "L'étranger" is often cited as an example of Camus's philosophy of the absurd. The story is told through the eyes of its protagonist, Meursault, whose indifferent attitude towards life and disturbingly dispassionate view of a murder he commits, challenge conventional morality. The novel is set in Algeria, then a French colony, offering a backdrop that enriches the narrative with complex social and political dimensions.

Why 'L'étranger' is Well-Known: "L'étranger" is renowned for its concise and unembellished prose, as well as its exploration of existentialism and absurdism. Camus’s ability to encapsulate profound philosophical ideas within a gripping narrative has not only earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature but has also ensured the novel's status as a cornerstone in modern philosophical and literary studies. The book raises essential questions about alienation, freedom, and the meaning of life, themes that continue to resonate with contemporary readers.

Why Read it? Reading "L'étranger" is more than just engaging with a story; it's an exercise in confronting the existential dilemmas of human life. Participants will find the book club a safe space to grapple with the novel's challenging themes and to discuss how its narrative reflects on personal experiences and societal norms. Whether you are a seasoned Camus enthusiast or new to his work, this session promises to be a thought-provoking journey that explores the depths of human emotion and intellect.

To participate:
1. Read the French edition of the book
2. Pour a glass of wine and join our online meeting to discuss what you thought about it (en Français).

Resources
1. Find a French edition of the book. How to find books in French
2. Here's the full-text online in French as a pdf you can flip through.
3. Here's the full-text online in French as html.
4. Here's a radio drama of the novel. It's not 100% word for word but very close overall.
5. InnerFrench created a slightly simplified audio version with free transcription. You just need to create a free account to read transcriptions on this site. (Very useful for intermediate French learners.)

Looking ahead:
SONDAGE: If you haven't already, please help us choose future books to read by taking this online poll.