42 pages • 1 hour read
The Plague
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Book Brief
308
Novel • Fiction
Oran, Algeria • 1940s
1947
Adult
18+ years
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.
Dark
Contemplative
Melancholic
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
276,287 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
276,287 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
308
Novel • Fiction
Oran, Algeria • 1940s
1947
Adult
18+ years
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