"Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal"

The above quote is one of Albert Camus's comments that I have decided speaks to me the most in relation to his novel "The Stranger". I came across this book because a friend of mine was moving and had a yard sale, and tried to sell some books, but not all of them sold. She ended up giving me all of those left that I wanted and I took about 8 The Stranger being one of them.

To say that the book was a bit unusual is putting it mildly. The story is told from inside the mind of the main character. This gentleman struggles with how to react to the outside world, often not speaking very much, feeling that there is "no point". His relationship with his mother is a bit distance, however, he seems to try very hard to please those around him, agreeing with almost anything to do so.

He gets into a great deal of trouble thru his association with one of the people in his life, Raymond. He even ends up in prison facing a beheading by the time the book is at a close.

The one constant is that this character is at odds with most people around him. He is indeed matching to his own drum, but only because he really can not hear the drums of the "general population". While many of his actions and internal reactions were shocking to me, so were the "general populations" as presented by this book. I have often seen myself as "different" as well so perhaps the book speaks to me a bit more than it might some.

I found this book mystifing and somewhat troubling. So much so that I decided to do some research on exactly what Albert Camus had to say in general. He was born in Algeria, the setting of The Stranger, and ended up winning several literary prizes. On one site he was called an Existentials, but in another he was quoted as denying that. In another place he was referred to as part of the "beat" generation. When I hear the "beat" generation referred to, all I think about is coffee houses, men in stringly beards and poetry that doesnt really make much sense--at least not to me. (sigh)

If anybody would like to read the book, here is a link to one place where it can be found. In addition, if anybody has already read it, or has some more understanding of Camus than I seem to have, please educate me via comments or a private message. The bottom line is that I kinda liked the book, but realize that it is not for everybody. And it certainly is different. (grin)