read The Stranger by Albert Camus

It was easy turning pages as I began to read this book. It started out in quick, short sentences. Short burst of sentences like stacatto beats on a drum. But like any good thrillers, that can only mean that there’s more to come.

Unlike all, if not most of the books I’ve read, the author did not even attempt to evoke sympathy for the character. The protagonist makes no apologies for being who he is. He just see or feel differently that most folks do. Is that supposed to be wrong?

Initially, I emphatized with him. But more and more, I felt something was hugely amiss. And for the lack of a better word, that missing thing was probably his conscience.

He doesn’t wonder if he should feel sad, happy, worried or angry. More often that not, he is mostly annoyed and irritated when things do not go his way. In fact, the closest he got to explaining himself was his own admission that his physical needs always get in the way of his feelings. Sadly, this cost him dearly.

So in the end, I was left feeling apathetic. This sounds brutally cold, and probably too personal even for a work of literature. And perhaps, that in itself lies the twist within this tale. Expect no apologies, no remorse between the lines. There is none, and because of that, this disturbing thought haunted me for days.

..but I will not mark it done yet. Coz I wanna do it justice and write a short review on it. Finishing this book was not difficult, getting it out of my system was something else altogether. Those who’ve read it would know why this is so. Hmm..

It arrived on Monday but I haven’t had the chance to read it yet. And I’ve started The Zahir and I wanna finish that one first. Am not good about reading many books simultaneously. Unless they’re arranged in digestible portions like the “Small Stuff” series by Richard Carlson. I love those books and I often re-read them going by topics most relevant at the time.

Opps.. i digress. Okay, I think I can start in 2 weeks time. See how things go. I do have high hopes for this book, but I figured I’ll find out for myself in due time.

I should get it in 2 weeks time. Am so lazy to check out the book store. That and my attempt to cut down on impulse purchases.. usually consist of chocolates, beauty products (that end up either unused or half-used but seldom thrown away!), more stationery for my son and toiletteries.

I read the synopsis. Didn’t gave away much except for a murder on an Algerian Beach. OK.. CSI comes to mind, but that’s just me.

Hope to get it soon. My mind is starving for good literature. I just want to read something that can help me escape reality for a few hours. Badly needing an escape.. especially today! Sigh..

for a good read. Found out about this book from QUEENofTACOS’ page. She’s finished reading it and her one-liner commentary “Wow!” has got me intrigued ;)

Will check it out at Kino’s tomorrow when I go see Lene at KLCC.