At The Existentialist Café

From the bestselling author of How to Live, comes an enthralling and original new book. At The Existentialist Café delves into the birth of existentialism and explores some of the most profound questions of life, friendship, freedom, and identity. Sarah Bakewell takes readers on an intellectual journey, starting in Paris near the turn of 1932-3, where three young friends—Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Raymond Aron—meet over apricot cocktails at the Bec-de-Gaz bar on the rue Montparnasse. This serendipitous meeting sparks their interest in a radical new way of thinking, laying down the foundational ideas of existentialism.

Shortlisted for the PEN Hessell-Tiltman Prize, At The Existentialist Café offers more than just a history lesson. It's a vibrant narrative filled with intriguing anecdotes and vivid portrayals of key figures like Albert Camus, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Martin Heidegger. Bakewell masterfully intertwines their philosophies with their personal lives, creating an intimate and accessible portrayal of existentialist thought.

Independent on Sunday lauds the book, saying, "It's not often that you miss your bus stop because you're so engrossed in reading a book about existentialism, but I did exactly that... The story of Sartre, Beauvoir, Camus, Heidegger et al is strange, fun, and compelling reading. If it doesn't win awards, I will eat my copy."

Daily Telegraph praises Bakewell's approach: "Bakewell shows how fascinating were some of the existentialists' ideas and how fascinating, often frightful, were their lives. Vivid, humorous anecdotes are interwoven with a lucid and unpatronising exposition of their complex philosophy... Tender, incisive, and fair."

Mail on Sunday commends the book's accessibility: "Quirky, funny, clear and passionate... Few writers are as good as Bakewell at explaining complicated ideas in a way that makes them easy to understand."

Whether you are new to existentialism or familiar with its principles, At The Existentialist Café offers a captivating and comprehensible narrative that brings the existentialists and their revolutionary ideas to life. Bakewell's book is not only an academic exploration but also a celebration of the human experience, making it a must-read for anyone interested in philosophy, history, or the complexities of human thought.