Amazing book. Camus is très sympa, wise and humane. He nails much of what ails us—insights drawn from his experiences in Algeria and in WW2 are startlingly relevant. Especially good on means and ends, on rebellion vs revolution, according to his way of understanding these words. Infinitely quotable. ( )

It is easier to reflect on what I did learn in this slim volume. 1) Camus maintained a deep love for Stendhal and Montaigne. The concluding pages of The Strange reflect the influence on Sorel's resignation at the end of The Scarlet and the Black. 2) Camus was ready to beat Merleau-Ponty's ass after the philosopher published his Humanism and Terror.

Okay, that's about it.

Zaretsky begins the book examining how the ever opportunistic Nicholas Sarkozy used two events in an attempt to reappropriate the legacy of Camus. Later in the book, the case of Camus as pan-Mediterranean is explored in light of the Arab Spring. The arguments afforded in both situations appear half-hearted, as is most of the book. Camus' notebooks are mined for his thoughts on various themes: Absurdity, Silence, Measure, Fidelity and Revolt. The word jejune becomes handy when considering this book. Consider yourself warned. ( )

This is a nice introduction to Camus, although some of the points are a little forced and at times it reads a little like someones doctoral dissertation. ( )

The writer explores a number of Camus thoughts on a number of topics. What I came with is that Camus speaks to issues of our time. At least Camus speaks to me. I loved this book, it made me think ( )

"In 'Nuptials at Tipasa,' Camus declared there is no shame in being happy. But Camus did not confuse happiness with laziness; it is a state we achieve neither through distraction nor entertainment, but instead through attention and effort."

"The writer, Camus declared, must remain faithful not just to her art, but to her fellow men and women, as well. The writer 'cannot put himself in the service of those who make History; instead, he serves those who endure it...' ... The nobility of our métier, Camus concluded, 'will forever be rooted in two engagements difficult to keep: the refusal to lie about what one knows and the resistance against oppression.'"

There is no way I can do this wonderful little meditation on Camus' life and work and the political and social context in which they developed. Zaretsky explores Camus' relevance and impact through five fundamental themes that permeate his work: absurdity, silence, measure, fidelity, and revolt. Weaving together historical events that both threatened and elevated Camus' place in the canon, Zaretsky effectively humanizes the philosopher, providing perspective on the tensions that gave his work meaning and endurance. I read this straight through but will save the volume for a more deliberate, one-chapter-at-a-time reread. ( )