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Nausea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1938

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Book Brief

Jean-Paul Sartre

Nausea

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1938
Book Details
Pages

178

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bouville, France • 1930s

Publication Year

1938

Publisher

New Directions

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In the fictional French city of Bouville, historian Antoine Roquentin lives in isolation, researching an 18th-century aristocrat. As he documents his life in a diary, he grows increasingly disoriented and nauseated by the existence of objects and his own being, questioning the meaning of existence. His interactions with people and his work drive him deeper into existential despair and alienation. Nausea includes depictions of pedophilia, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and ableism, as well as references to sexual assault and contains racist stereotypes and language.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.2

125,053 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre is a profound philosophical novel exploring existential angst and the meaning of existence through its protagonist, Antoine Roquentin. Critics praise its deep introspection and innovative narrative style. However, some find it excessively introspective and dense. The novel remains a seminal work in existentialist literature, provoking thought and debate.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nausea?

Readers who enjoy Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre typically appreciate existential literature and deep philosophical explorations of meaning and individuality. Fans of Sartre's work may also enjoy Albert Camus' The Stranger or Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, which similarly delve into themes of alienation and existential angst.

4.2

125,053 ratings

71%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Antoine Roquentin

A 30-year-old historian living in the city of Bouville, working on researching the life of a fictional 18th-century aristocrat. As the protagonist, his reflections and experiences form the core narrative of his journey through alienation and existential reflection.

A clerk who dedicates his free time to self-education at the library and is a member of the French Socialist Party. His interactions and ideological views contrast with Antoine’s, providing a counterpoint within the story's philosophical discourse.

Antoine's ex-lover, who once lived for "perfect moments" but has since become disenchanted. She is central to Antoine’s personal reflections and serves as a critical link to his past experiences and desires for connection.

The fictional city where Antoine resides, based on the real city of Le Havre in France. It serves as both a setting and a reflective character that mirrors the themes of the novel, such as class structure and existential symbolism.

Book Details
Pages

178

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Bouville, France • 1930s

Publication Year

1938

Publisher

New Directions

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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