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[Eisworth]

Earlier this week, I found myself reading "The Myth of Sisyphus", an extended essay by Camus on what he terms 'the problem of suicide'.
After reading the introductory chapter, I put it down and immediately hunted up my copy of The Plague.

I read The Plague in college as part of a Philosophy of Literature course.
We went through it quickly, discussing 'the Absurd' for a bit, and then moved on. The Myth of Sisyphus sent me back to the book because I suddenly thought I understood what Camus was trying to say.

Let me tell you, 18 years makes a huge difference in your perspective. I've read a lot of reviews on this site about books read in youth that somehow don't seem as good now. This book is the exact opposite --- it shocked me how much I've changed in the last 18 years. Camus' text has evolved in my mind from just a decent story to an incredible commentary on life and what it means to be an Absurdist hero.
_________________
Todd Eisworth
Associate Professor of Mathematics
Ohio University

[galactic_dev]

Yeah, The Plague rocks! It's his best book, IMHO.

It's amazing how simply great his fiction is, and how difficult his non-fiction is.

Now get back to reading Proust.