Le Premier Homme = The First Man, Albert Camus

The First Man is Albert Camus' unfinished final novel. On January 4, 1960, at the age of forty-six, Camus tragically lost his life in a car accident. The incomplete manuscript of this autobiographical novel, which Camus was working on at the time of his death, was discovered in the mud at the accident site. His daughter, Catherine Camus, later painstakingly transcribed the handwritten manuscript to type press and published the book in 1994.

Camus had high hopes for this work, envisioning it as his masterpiece. Some critics, even in its unfinished state, agreed with his view. They largely praised the physical intensity and uninhibited psychology of boyhood, which set it apart from the reservedness of Camus' other novels. Camus desired this novel to be "heavy with things and flesh."

It is a novel that delves into the basic and essential aspects of life: childhood, schooldays, the life of the body, the power of the sun and the sea, the painful love of a son for his mother, and the search for a lost father. But it is also about the history of a colonial people in a vast and sometimes inhospitable African landscape, about the complex relationship of a "mother" country to its colonists, and about the intimate effects of war and political revolution.

The First Man has been published in Iran under various titles such as "آدم اول" (The First Man), "مرد اول" (The First Man), and "نخستین مرد" (The First Man). It has been translated by different translators and published by several publishers over the years.

The publication history in Iran includes editions by publishers like مرغ آمین, علم و ادب, جامی اتشارات مصدق, and به سخن. The translations have been done by translators such as منوچهر بدیعی, شهباز کمیلی زاده, محمود بهفروزی, and پرویز شهدی.

The book has had multiple printings in Iran, with the latest ones in 1397 (2018) and 1398 (2019). It has been well-received by readers and critics alike, who have praised its exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the human condition.

Who knew I would be reading Camus' last novel as if it were his first?

In this world of the passed away French-Algiers, the present and past blend together. As a man recalls his childhood, the voice of the third-person narrator is so intimate that it could easily pass for first-person. This heart-wrenching account of a fatherless boy living in poverty is so pure that it is perfect in its impact. How could an author who became so renowned for his unique structure in "The Stranger" bring us such a completely different, yet equally extraordinary and admirable style?

The novel's trajectory reminds one of Márquez's works with its winding sentences and liberal use of commas. However, instead of parody and magical realism, this is a novel of serious tones and contemplative prose.

Algeria's separation from France after the Algerian War left many young men, the "First Men," fatherless. Albert Camus was one of them, and this story is more personal than his others. He believed in a multicultural Algeria where European-Algerians and African-Algerians could live in harmony and have equal rights. But once the war began, he chose to remain silent, not advocating for either side.

Camus died in a car accident before this manuscript could be published. The unedited version was found in his car. His daughter wrote that he would never have published it in this state as he was a reserved man. Jacques Cormery is clearly Camus: a man in love with discovery and books, deeply attached to his slightly-deaf and uneducated mother, raised by two hard-working women, missing a father he never knew, and longing for his childhood home in Algeria.

I initially thought this novel would have a similar texture to "Suite Française," but while both were published posthumously in unfinished versions, this work has the essence of a complete novel. You don't get a clear sense of Jacques' trajectory, but you do get a vivid portrait of his inner world as he realizes himself and his country through history. There is anguish and perplexity, yet also the beauty of introspection.

This story, "The First Man," is the unfinished last work of Albert Camus, which death did not give the author the opportunity to complete. Apparently, this work is also the author's autobiography, and based on its accounts, a color of reality is revealed.

The events of this story concern the life of the main character, Jacques Cormery, from birth to the age of forty; mainly, it returns to the period of his childhood and youth and his experiences, especially the encounters that occur for him in the school environment and among friends. Throughout this story, in everything that is narrated, a core of the pain and inherent melancholy of man in living in this world can be seen. In fact, what is related in this work about the poverty, deprivation, and difficult and melancholy life of the Cormery family, as well as the encounters of the family members and especially the main character with loneliness, death, disease, and war, all testify to the existentialist concerns of the author. In other words, the narrator has tried to highlight the initial pains and sorrows of life more than its fleeting and ephemeral joys, and in this way, to convey the difficulty of living in this painful world to the listener.

The main narrator's account of Jacques Cormery's life is indeed the successive encounters of a child with such pains and sorrows, which are transmitted to the listener through detailed and vivid descriptions of experiences from childhood to adulthood. It seems that Jacques Cormery is always faced with a fundamental question about the meaning of life and wants to extract a meaning from this fleeting passage of time; but in the end, he is lost and unsuccessful and cannot find a satisfactory answer. The joys and happiness are also painful, ephemeral, and fleeting, and they torture him: "He felt that life and youth and all being were slipping away from him; without his being able to hold on to anything of it." (293) "His heart wanted to flee; to flee to a place where no one grew old, no one died; to a place where beauty was indestructible, where life was always wild and passionate, and such a place did not exist." (Ibid.)

Since the author did not have the opportunity to complete his work, there is no technical storytelling in this book, and it can be said that this work is a scattered and somewhat disjointed account of the life of the main character, relying on detailed and lengthy descriptions. Nevertheless, the narrated accounts are not at all devoid of beauty, and indeed, many bright and powerful parts in it are abundant to the eye. Generally, this story is more descriptive than being centered on reality and having colorful events in it; descriptions that are mostly powerful and vivid of the daily and profound encounters. With the choice of this title, "The First Man," Camus has tried to generalize the experiences and encounters described in this work to other humans, and in other words, to narrate the passage of the human species; a human who "is unique in raising himself alone, like Adam, without a father, and is unique in learning alone, growing up alone, by force, by power, finding his own ethics and truth until finally he comes into the world as a man."

The unique translation by Manouchehr Badi'i has certainly been involved in the pleasure of reading this book.

Adding an unexpected dimension to Camus' philosophy is the fact that it was penned by an ordinary individual. His daily concerns, musings, doubts, and regrets were no different from ours. This, of course, is a central tenet of his philosophy. The inherent imperfections in the machinery of life render regrets, worries, mistakes, and absolute unity between people unattainable. However, in this work, the darkly ironic veneer is absent. This time, we find solace in the realization that Camus was, in essence, attempting to persuade us that he was just an ordinary guy (as I believe).

Perhaps this new perspective allows us to engage more deeply with his ideas. We can see that his philosophical musings were not the product of an otherworldly intellect but rather the result of grappling with the same human experiences that we all face. It makes his philosophy more accessible and relatable, as we can identify with the struggles and uncertainties that he describes.

Moreover, it reminds us that even the most profound thinkers are still human beings with their own flaws and insecurities. Camus' work becomes a testament to the universality of the human condition and the power of philosophy to offer insights and comfort in the face of life's challenges.

I have read the 7th book of the master. He is one of the writers who can best present the philosophy of existence.

If the work had been completed, it would most likely have been his best work.

The ideas and concepts in this book are profound and thought-provoking. It makes me think deeply about the meaning and value of life.

The master's writing style is also very unique. He uses simple and vivid language to express complex philosophical thoughts, making it easy for readers to understand and accept.

Although the book is not yet complete, it has already shown great potential. I am looking forward to seeing the final version of this work and experiencing the profound insights and wisdom of the master again.

I truly relished every solitary word within this book.

It is an absolute MUST read for all the aficionados of Camus!

The way the author weaves his words is simply captivating.

Each sentence seems to carry a profound meaning that lingers in your mind long after you've turned the page.

The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what lies ahead.

Camus' unique writing style and his ability to explore complex themes make this book a literary masterpiece.

Whether you're a long-time fan of his work or new to his writing, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression.

It is a journey through the human condition, a exploration of morality, and a celebration of the power of literature.

So, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.

You won't be disappointed.

This book is not comparable to the masterpieces of Balzac, but there are some interesting things written in the book, and an example of it is as follows.

I gradually believed in my own innocence. I thought I was a tyrant over everyone and I could order all those who were in my power. Later, I realized that I didn't have enough courage to really love someone, and I thought I would die from the sense of inferiority I had towards myself. Then I came to the conclusion that others also didn't really love anyone, and I just had to accept that I was more or less like others. Then I decided that I should not suppress myself so much that I might not be great and lose my freedom, and wait until I had a chance to become great. In other words, I am waiting for a moment to become a tyrant and not enjoy that pleasure.

Arguably my favorite book is a literary masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on my heart and mind.

It is a captivating tale that takes the reader on a thrilling journey through different worlds and emotions.

The characters are so vividly drawn that they seem to come alive on the pages, making me feel as if I am a part of their lives.

The story is filled with twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover what will happen next.

Moreover, the writing style is simply beautiful, with every sentence crafted with precision and care.

It is a book that I can read over and over again, and each time I discover something new and wonderful.

In conclusion, this book is not just a source of entertainment but also a source of inspiration and enlightenment.

It has taught me valuable lessons about life, love, and the human condition, and I will always cherish it as one of my most precious possessions.

Although people claim that they respect rights, they will not give in to anything except force.

This statement reflects a rather concerning reality. In many situations, individuals may verbally express their support for rights and fairness, but when faced with challenges or conflicts, their true nature emerges.

They may choose to use force or coercion to achieve their goals instead of relying on peaceful and just means. This behavior not only undermines the principles of respect and equality but also leads to further tensions and conflicts.

It is essential for people to truly internalize the value of respecting rights and to act accordingly in all aspects of life. Only through such a transformation can we hope to build a more harmonious and just society.

This novel was discovered in the bag of Camus following his tragic car accident in 1960.

The majority of the text was penned in the form of a script, featuring numerous annotations and additions.

It is an autobiographical work where Camus delved into his father and his childhood days in Algiers.

It is interesting, yet it is by no means on par with the highly acclaimed 'La Peste'.

It has some resemblance to Yourcenar's works, particularly 'Quoi? L'Eternité'.

The novel offers a unique perspective into Camus' personal life and experiences, although it may not reach the same heights as some of his other masterpieces.

Nevertheless, it is still a valuable piece of literature that provides insights into the mind and creativity of this renowned author.

Perhaps with further study and analysis, more of its hidden gems and significance can be uncovered.

Overall, it is an interesting addition to Camus' body of work.

His Best Book...

Everyone has that one book that stands out above the rest in their personal library. For many, it's the book that had the greatest impact on them, the one that made them think differently, or the one that they couldn't put down. This book becomes a cherished possession, a source of inspiration, and a constant reminder of the power of words.

It could be a classic novel that has withstood the test of time, a thought-provoking non-fiction work that changed their perspective on life, or a children's book that holds a special place in their heart. Whatever the case may be, this best book is a reflection of who they are and what they value.

Perhaps it's the book that they turn to when they need comfort or motivation, or the one that they recommend to everyone they know. It's the book that they've read multiple times, each time discovering something new and profound. In a world full of distractions and digital media, this best book remains a constant, a source of knowledge and entertainment that can never be replaced.

I thought I had read all of Albert Camus's novels. However, it turns out that I was both right and wrong.

The First Man is an unfinished manuscript that Camus was working on at the time of his death. It is fairly long for a book by Camus, but based on his notes, it would have been even longer in the final version.

Here, we have a bildungsroman told from Jacques's perspective, both as a boy and intermittently as a 40-year-old man. The novel is written in great detail,描绘了在阿尔及利亚作为法国人且贫穷的所有特点，以及作为贫穷且没有父亲的所有严肃事实，他与苛刻的祖母、愚笨的叔叔和半聋的母亲一起长大，而雅克非常崇拜他的母亲。

阿尔及尔被描绘为粗糙、阳光炽热且沿海的城市。法国人自然被阿拉伯人包围，他们过着一种被阴影笼罩的生活——一种被他们许多人从未见过的法国的存在所笼罩的生活，尽管那是雅克的父亲在第一次世界大战中去世的地方。

雅克赢得了奖学金进入中学，这彻底改变了他的生活，但从现存的手稿中我们只能猜测他的生活会有多大的改变，因为40岁的他是一个老练的人，有着深刻的道德洞察力，不仅涵盖了法国和阿尔及利亚的矛盾，还涵盖了男女、贫富、战争与和平的矛盾。

从本版中也出版的剩余笔记中，我们可以看到雅克本会过着一种复杂的生活，一半在地中海的这边，一半在那边。他本会有所成就，深思熟虑，是某些女人虔诚的爱人，并且总是意识到他最爱的女人，他的母亲，是他无法触及的，就像他进入中学后也超出了她的触及范围。

我的想法是，这部长篇手稿有点像斯蒂芬·英雄，即乔伊斯的《青年艺术家的画像》的第一版。那部手稿最终也被高度压缩了，我预计加缪也会压缩这部手稿。

这部不完整的书在某种意义上是富有同情心的，因为所有的角色都得到了应有的对待；雅克意识到他们所有的牺牲，以及他们的缺点。然而，他爱他们所有人，这就是为什么他对自己的家庭生活和他作为一个男孩与同伴们一起在街道上奔跑、探索海滩以及在进入中学之前基本上对他直接的感官感知之外的任何事情都一无所知的生活进行了详细的描绘。

“第一人”的概念是一种将每个人都概念化为他或她生活中、他或她的世界中的第一个人的方式。在这里，我们有了成长小说的精髓，即对因果关系、后果、经济差异以及人与人之间关系的本质的觉醒。

奇怪的是，附在手稿后的综合笔记比写得非常好的手稿本身更有说服力。它们总结了事情。它们指出了法国人和阿拉伯人之间将会出现的冲突，并且它们还暗示了在阿尔及利亚出生的第二代或第三代法国人是阿尔及利亚人而不是法国人的方式，一个必须接受自我和他人的二元性的人，而法国人以他们笛卡尔式的方式往往不会这样做，他们强调法国的统一性（在法国，全国各地的所有学生都在同一时间学习相同的学校课程）。

我几乎会向任何人推荐这本书，因为它的写作生动形象，并且它提供了对作家创作过程的深刻见解。在这里看不到的，只能想象的是，加缪最终在使雅克的故事更紧凑和更易理解方面会做出的美学选择。

就像在《局外人》中一样，太阳在这里也是一个不变的伙伴，但雅克不是一个道德麻木、麻醉的主角。他非常真实、脆弱、聪明且敏感。他想看到太阳，想在阳光下，这样他就可以看到太阳、光线所揭示的关于生活的越来越多的东西。一些谜团被包裹在他父亲的坟墓的怀抱中（他从未见过他的父亲），但其他的谜团，在北非阳光耀眼的强度的帮助下，变得清晰起来：一个人可以意识到一切，但他不能成为一切。作家们在这一点上折磨自己。他们想比他们生活的速度更快地写作，以便他们在死前能够拥有一切。

对我们来说不幸的是，加缪英年早逝，在这里我们只有他关于活着意味着什么的最后想法的一部分。

附言：再一次，Goodreads（我认为）在给星方面挫败了我：我会给这本书4星，因为它是如此真实，以如此雄辩和坚定的方式呈现。