42 pages 1 hour read

Albert Camus

The Plague

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1947

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In Albert Camus's The Plague, an unseen third-person narrator, later revealed as Dr. Bernard Rieux, details the outbreak of a devastating plague in the city of Oran, French Algeria, during the 1940s. The narrative chronicles the city's quarantine, the various reactions of its inhabitants, and the collective struggles against the contagious disease, focusing on cooperation and existential themes. The book contains descriptions of suffering, death, and disease.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Albert Camus's The Plague has garnered acclaim for its profound existential reflections and eloquent prose. Critics praise its exploration of human resilience and solidarity amidst catastrophe. However, some find its philosophical depth challenging, and its pacing sluggish at times. Nonetheless, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Plague?

Readers who enjoy The Plague by Albert Camus are typically drawn to existential and philosophical literature. This audience appreciates profound themes and moral quandaries. Comparable works include 1984 by George Orwell and The Stranger by Albert Camus. They are intellectually curious and ponder human suffering and resilience.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

French Literature

Historical Fiction

Topics

Philosophy

Health / Medicine

History: World

Period

Absurdism

Themes

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice

Society: Community

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality