The Stranger/The Outsider

The Translator's Note in the version I was reading claimed that Camus modeled L'Etranger on "the American method" -- as Hemingway and Faulkner had written. Having read Hemingway just before this book, however, I'm happy to say that though monsieur may have pulled the writing style from Americans, his writing remains unequivocally French; with finesse and poetry. I don't care for the writing style of the "Lost Generation". Curt, unemotional, and utterly selfish. There is nothing to relate to or care for. Through Camus' writing though, the short sentence structure and guiltless character came together to create something totally beautiful.

Meursault shows nor feels much emotion when his mother passes away. He refuses to admit that he loves his girlfriend. He doesn't even show remorse for shooting and killing a man. But he still flipping has so much more emotion and complexity than Jake Barnes. Like a real person. I don't know if it's because I watched HBO's "The Night Of" just prior to starting this book, but I kept forgetting that Meursault was actually guilty. It was a skillful trick. When the protagonist realized that he was indeed guilty, so did I, just at the same time. When he hears his final fate, it is just as jarring as if it was announced upon myself -- a serious shock, like my stomach fell to the floor.  I was that invested.

What else can I say?  I'm giving this one to the French.