Nov 06, 2025

8 books by Albert Camus you must read

Aanya Mehta

A Happy Death (published posthumously, 1971)

An early version of The Stranger, this novel follows Patrice Mersault’s search for happiness through control and awareness of death, a glimpse into Camus’ evolving philosophy.

Source: amazon.in

Exile and the Kingdom (1957)

This collection of six short stories captures themes of exile, freedom, and human dignity, offering an intimate look at Camus’ moral vision.

Source: amazon.in

Notebooks (1935–1959)

A compilation of Camus’ personal reflections, ideas, and drafts that reveal the depth of his thought process and his lifelong struggle with meaning and morality.

Source: amazon.in

The Fall (1956)

A philosophical monologue of guilt and self-judgment, The Fall delves deep into moral decay and the complexities of self-awareness and confession.

Source: amazon.in

The Myth of Sisyphus (1942)

Camus’ seminal philosophical essay introduces his concept of the absurd and questions whether life is worth living, ending with the iconic image of Sisyphus finding meaning in struggle.

Source: amazon.in

The Plague (1947)

Set in the Algerian city of Oran, this gripping novel follows residents under quarantine during a deadly epidemic, an allegory for human suffering and resistance.

Source: amazon.in

The Rebel (1951)

A profound exploration of rebellion, revolution, and freedom, this essay examines how humanity’s pursuit of justice can sometimes lead to tyranny.

Source: amazon.in

The Stranger (1942)

Camus’ most famous novel tells the story of Meursault, a detached man who commits a senseless crime. It’s a powerful exploration of absurdity, alienation, and society’s search for meaning.

Source: amazon.in

8 photographers who capture niche subjects