Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 64 votes)
5 stars
16(25%)
4 stars
30(47%)
3 stars
18(28%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
64 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
A great Collection which brings together most of the 'Essential Camus'

This collection is truly remarkable as it manages to assemble a significant portion of what can be considered the 'Essential Camus'. It offers readers a comprehensive and in-depth look into the works of this influential philosopher and writer. Camus' ideas and perspectives are presented in a way that allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of his contributions to literature and philosophy. Whether you are a long-time fan of Camus or new to his works, this collection is sure to provide valuable insights and engaging reading material. It serves as a wonderful resource for those interested in exploring the mind and works of one of the most important figures of the 20th century.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Wow, this is an amazing article!

It presents some really interesting ideas and concepts that I find quite captivating.

The author has done a great job of presenting the information in a clear and engaging manner.

However, I think it could be expanded further to provide more in-depth analysis and exploration.

For example, certain points could be elaborated on with more examples or case studies.

This would not only make the article more informative but also more interesting to read.

Additionally, perhaps some relevant statistics or research findings could be incorporated to support the arguments made.

Overall, I believe that with a bit of expansion and refinement, this article has the potential to be even better.

I look forward to seeing the improved version.
July 15,2025
... Show More

The Plague is a highly significant and influential work. It was written by Albert Camus and is often regarded as a masterpiece of modern literature. The story is set in a fictional Algerian city that is struck by a devastating plague. The characters in the novel must grapple with the fear, uncertainty, and chaos that the plague brings. Through their experiences, Camus explores themes such as the meaning of life, the nature of evil, and the importance of human connection. The Plague is not only a powerful and engaging story but also a profound meditation on the human condition. It has been widely read and studied around the world and continues to resonate with readers today.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Albert Camus is a renowned philosopher and writer, and his works are widely studied and admired.


In addition to his more popular works, there are a number of other works that also deserve attention.


For example, in “Reflections on the Guillotine”, Camus presents a heartfelt argument against beheading and the death penalty in general. He contends that society does not truly believe in the exemplary value of execution, as it does not display the head. He then goes on to describe various reasons why the death penalty should be abolished, including the potential for error by the jury, the inherent cruelty of the act (such as the account of the body jumping after beheading), the fact that no one can be an absolute judge, and that the state itself commits more crimes and is thus less qualified to be the judge. He also argues that the fear of death is not sufficient to overcome the emotions that drive murders, and that the real reason for the death penalty is simply tradition.


Among the short stories in “Exile and the Kingdom”, the one titled “The Guest” is particularly unique. It tells a story that challenges our notions of morality, responsibility, and the relationship between individuals and society.


Overall, Camus’ works offer deep insights into the human condition and continue to be relevant today.
July 15,2025
... Show More
My copy of this book doesn't have the jacket.

This can be a bit disappointing as the jacket often adds an extra layer of appeal to the book. It might have an attractive design, interesting blurbs, or beautiful illustrations that can enhance the overall reading experience.

However, despite the lack of the jacket, the book itself still holds its value. The content within the pages is what truly matters. It could be filled with engaging stories, valuable information, or thought-provoking ideas that can capture the reader's imagination and expand their knowledge.

Moreover, not having the jacket can also give the book a more质朴 and understated look. It might make it stand out in a different way, perhaps appealing to those who prefer a more minimalist or classic aesthetic.

In the end, while the absence of the jacket may be a minor drawback, it doesn't overshadow the essence and worth of the book. It can still be enjoyed and cherished for what it offers between its covers.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Good existential novels and essays offer a profound exploration of the human condition.

The Fall is my absolute favorite. It delves deep into the psyche of the protagonist, making the reader question their own moral compass. However, The Plague is also an excellent work. It vividly描绘s the chaos and despair during a pandemic, highlighting the various human reactions.

Camus' essays, on the other hand, can be quite challenging to understand. Yet, they are incredibly interesting as they present unique perspectives on life and society. I must admit that I don't agree with his stance against the death penalty as explained in 'Reflections on the Guillotine'.

Nonetheless, The Myth of Sisyphus is a remarkable piece. Despite its brevity, it manages to convey a powerful message about the absurdity of life and the need to find meaning in it.

To me, his shorter novels and essays are his best. Works like The Stranger (sometimes called The Outsider) and The Fall are masterpieces. They capture the essence of existentialism in a concise and engaging manner.

I must confess that I can't even remember what his short stories were about. Perhaps that's why I wasn't as impressed with that part of the collection (Exile and the Kingdom).

Overall, this collection is a great choice for those who love existential novels. I would highly recommend The Plague, The Fall, and The Myth of Sisyphus. Although I didn't really care for the rest of the collection, I still finished it, as it offered some valuable insights into Camus' thought process.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I'm at a bit of a loss on how to discuss Camus, but I shall address his stories in the order that they appear.

The Plague has many parts that hold great promise for an interesting novel and even an interesting reflection on the philosophies and nature of man. However, a lot of it gets lost in the pages upon pages of philosophical discourse that break up the actual characterizations and plot. I still enjoyed the story, but there were moments where it just got bogged down attempting to explain the philosophical to me rather than letting me experience it fully through the characters and plot of the book.

Similarly, there is an interesting concept in The Fall, but again it often seems to get bogged down in itself, going on for pages without introducing new concepts or advancing the plot. I think ultimately this is one of Camus' weaker works. It strikes me as another example of why philosophers rarely make for good authors or novelists. It's often needlessly unclear and over repetitive.

Exile and The Kingdom is a wonderful collection of extremely readable short stories. Some of them are a bit hard to decipher in totality, but the message doesn't get lost in the shorter stories like it does in The Fall. Similar to my feelings on Hemingway, I think the short stories are really the best work of Camus.

The essays on Absurdism are quite interesting. Honestly, the only parts I truly enjoyed and didn't find to be trying were the ones where Camus explains the absurd by reviewing the works of Dostoevsky and Kafka. Using literary classics as a way to explain his concepts was a good choice and really helped with the overall understanding of Camus' beliefs.

Finally, Reflections on the Guillotine was probably the highlight of this collection, for me anyway. Camus leaves the heavy and trying language of philosophy to present an argument against capital punishment that appeals to reason and logic rather than a confusing collection of philosophical beliefs. It makes for a more engaging and accessible read, and I found myself really drawn into his argument.

Overall, while Camus has his strengths and weaknesses as an author, I still find his works to be thought-provoking and值得探讨的. His exploration of the human condition and the absurdity of life is both timely and relevant, and I look forward to reading more of his works in the future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
We rarely tell the secrets of our hearts to those who are better than us.

We even avoid their presence. On the contrary, most of the time we confess our secrets to those who are similar to us and share in our weaknesses and humiliations.

Therefore, we do not want to correct ourselves or become better: because in this case, we must first admit our impotence and shortcomings.

We can only hope that they will be satisfied with our situation and encourage us on the way we are going.

In short, we want to no longer be sinners and at the same time take no steps to purify our souls.

We often find ourselves in a state of self-denial and hesitation, afraid to face our true selves and make positive changes.

However, if we truly want to grow and progress, we must have the courage to admit our mistakes and work hard to improve ourselves.

Only by doing so can we break free from the shackles of our past and move towards a brighter future.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The nature of art is to bind the general to the particular. It is a complex and profound concept that attempts to capture the essence of artistic expression.

I also know that I am not seeking what is universal, but what is true. The two may well not coincide. This statement reflects a personal and perhaps idiosyncratic approach to art and knowledge.

For me, Camus is an artist, a discerner of truth, a moralist, and, above all, a humanist. His works explore the human condition, the search for meaning in a seemingly absurd world, and the ethical dilemmas that we face.

Camus' artistry lies in his ability to present complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner. His writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, inviting the reader to reflect on their own beliefs and values.

As a discerner of truth, Camus was not afraid to question the status quo and to challenge conventional wisdom. He was a moralist who believed in the importance of individual responsibility and the pursuit of justice.

Above all, Camus was a humanist who was deeply concerned with the well-being of humanity. His works offer a vision of a better world, one in which we can find meaning and purpose in our lives and in which we can live in harmony with one another.

In conclusion, Camus is a remarkable artist and thinker whose works continue to inspire and challenge us today. His ideas about art, truth, morality, and humanism are as relevant now as they were when he first wrote them.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The Plague: It is a rather boring piece of work, filled with speckled and inconsequential sequences that seem to lead nowhere. The story feels unrealistic, and then it just abruptly runs into sand at the end. However, it can be excellent as an intellectually-looking inventory for your bedside table, as it will last a very long time.

The Fall: On the other hand, it is interesting both stylistically and intellectually from the start, presented as a dialogue that is gradually reduced to a first person monologue. But unfortunately, it eventually just goes on rambling aimlessly until you lose all capacity to pay attention.

I am truly done with Camus. His works, while having some initial promise, often fail to deliver a satisfying conclusion or maintain the reader's interest throughout. It seems that his writing style, which may have been innovative at one time, has now become tiresome and unengaging for me.
July 15,2025
... Show More

I was reading an article and suddenly caught the flu. It was really unexpected and made me feel quite unwell. The symptoms came on quickly, with a high fever, body aches, and a persistent cough. I had to stay in bed and rest for several days. This experience made me realize how important it is to beware of the flu. We should always take precautions, such as washing our hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and getting vaccinated. By being vigilant and taking these simple steps, we can reduce the risk of getting the flu and protect our health.

July 15,2025
... Show More


I only read 'The Fall.' To be honest, the other stuff was really crappy. It just didn't capture my attention or interest at all. However, 'The Fall' was a different story. It had its moments of weakness, especially towards the end when it seemed to teeter a bit. But, and this is a big but, the first two-thirds of it was damn great! The writing was engaging, the plot was interesting, and it really drew me in. I found myself completely immersed in the story, eagerly turning the pages to see what would happen next. It was a real pleasure to read that part of the book. If only the whole thing could have maintained that level of quality. Still, I have to give credit where credit is due. 'The Fall' had its shining moments, and for that, I'm glad I read it.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.