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A Happy Death

By Albert Camus
Penguin Classics
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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3.81 goodreads logo

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Happy Death by Albert Camus follows the existential journey of Patrice Mersault, who seeks meaning and happiness in a life plagued by suffering and existential dread. The novel explores themes of personal freedom, choice, and the pursuit of contentment, highlighting the struggles between desire and the constraints of everyday existence. Through introspective narrative and philosophical inquiry, Mersault's quest reflects Camus' own meditations on life and mortality.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy philosophical explorations of the human condition and existential questions about happiness and mortality. Albert Camus weaves a compelling narrative about a man's quest for a meaningful life, offering profound insights into the nature of existence and personal fulfilment. Its richly descriptive prose and thought-provoking themes provide a reflective reading experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Is it possible to die a happy death? This title tells the story of a young Algerian, Mersault, who defies society's rules by committing a murder and escaping punishment, then experimenting with different ways of life and finally dying a happy man.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Is it possible to die a happy death? This is the central question of Camus's astonishing early novel, published posthumously and greeted as a major literary event.

It tells the story of a young Algerian, Mersault, who defies society's rules by committing a murder and escaping punishment, then experimenting with different ways of life and finally dying a happy man.

In many ways, A Happy Death is a fascinating first sketch for The Outsider, but it can also be seen as a candid self-portrait, drawing on Camus's memories of his youth, travels, and early relationships.

It is infused with lyrical descriptions of the sun-drenched Algiers of his childhood—the place where, eventually, Mersault is able to find peace and die 'without anger, without hatred, without regret'.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141186580

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 February 2002

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Richard Howard
  • Afterword by Jean Sarocchi
  • Notes by Jean Sarocchi
  • Translated by Richard Howard
  • Translated by Richard Howard

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 7.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 90g

Pages: 112

Collections

Albert Camus Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Albert Camus (1913-60) grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in Algiers. He studied philosophy at the University of Algiers, and became a journalist. His most important works include The Outsider, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Plague and The Fall. After the occupation of France by the Germans in 1941, Camus became one of the intellectual leaders of the Resistance movement. He was killed in a road accident, and his last unfinished novel, The First Man, appeared posthumously.

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