The Meursault Investigation
The Meursault Investigation
Book Brief
160
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
French LiteratureAlgeria • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 2013, The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud retells Albert Camus' The Stranger from the perspective of the murder victim's younger brother, Harun, as he reflects on the impact of his brother Musa's death on his family and himself while recounting the story to a graduate student. This novel addresses murder, the effects of colonialism, and religious critique.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
9,680 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Kamel Daoud's The Meursault Investigation captivates with its inventive take on Camus' The Stranger, explored through the murdered Arab's brother's perspective. Critics appreciate its eloquent prose and thought-provoking themes of identity and colonialism. Some find it overly reliant on its predecessor, but overall, it’s praised as a powerful, reflective narrative.
Who Should Read The Meursault Investigation?
The ideal reader for Kamel Daoud's The Meursault Investigation is someone who appreciates post-colonial narratives, enjoys philosophical fiction, and has a keen interest in reinterpreting classic literature. Fans of Albert Camus's The Stranger and those who admired the existential themes in J.M. Coetzee's Disgrace will find this novel compelling.
9,680 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Meursault Investigation serves as a counterpoint to Albert Camus's The Stranger, offering a new perspective by giving a voice to the brother of "the Arab" who is unnamed in Camus’s novel.
The novel has garnered international attention and won several awards, including the Goncourt Prize for a first novel.
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Written in French and translated into several languages, the novel critically explores themes of colonialism, identity, and historical narrative.
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160
Novel • Fiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
French LiteratureAlgeria • 1940s
2013
Adult
18+ years
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