The Outsider by Albert Camus [suggested by Lynsey Rodger]

Meursault leads an apparently unremarkable bachelor life in Algiers until he commits a random act of violence.  His lack of emotion and failure to show remorse only serve to increase his guilt in the eyes of the law, and challenges the fundamental values of society a set of rules so binding that any person breaking them is condemned as an outsider.  For Meursault, this is an insult to his reason and a betrayal of his hopes; for Camus it encapsulates the absurdity of life.  In “The Outsider” (1942), his classic existentialist novel, Camus explores the predicament of the individual who refuses to pretend and is prepared to face the indifference of the universe, courageously and alone.

The Outsider (also known as The Stranger) has its own Wikipedia page.

Born November 7th, 1913 in Algeria son of French ‘pied-noir’ settlers Camus grew up in poverty in the proletarian neighbourhood of Belcourt in Algiers.  His natural talent was spotted by teacher Louis Germain who helped the young Camus win a high school scholarship.  Camus would later dedicate his 1957 Nobel Prize acceptance speech to Germain.  While at school Camus developed a love of football and played well in goal.  He wanted to play professionally but tuberculosis, a disease that would plague him for life, ended these dreams.

The above is the first section of an extensive biography that may be found on the pages of the Albert Camus Society.  Naturally he also has his own Wikipedia page.

Shortlisted for this month

This month and for the next two months Chorlton Chapters is experimenting with a new way of choosing our monthly read.  Offering a choice of three books each month to a vote tended to result in very similar books being chosen.  In an effort to introduce more variety in the reading material we are allowing a single person, chosen by ballot during the meeting, to propose the book for the following month.  There are therefore no “shortlisted” books for this month.