Though all the books we read throughout the year were meaningful, two in particular stood out to me: Beloved by Toni Morrison and The Stranger by Albert Camus.
Beloved was easily the most difficult book to read because of its darker content. I have read many historical books about WW2 and the Holocaust and the atrocities committed within them, but the more personal feel of Sethe’s story made it more impactful than emotionless history books. Beloved is not just a story of slavery, it is a story of life after slavery. The trauma of slavery is well known, but less often thought about is how that trauma impacted those who were lucky enough to get out, after they were free. The stories of Sethe, Paul D., Denver, Baby Suggs, and Beloved all explore the difficulties of post-slavery life, through the lens of each of their individual experiences — because the experience of slavery was not monolithic; although many had similar experiences, they were not exactly the same. Beloved taught me to be more considerate of how I perceive peoples’ lives and pasts.
When we started reading The Stranger, I hated Meursault. His apathy and indifference to everything in his life infuriated me. I didn’t understand how he could completely not care when his girlfriend asked about marriage, or his mother died, or he killed someone. My irritation towards him controlled my opinion of the whole book. However, Meursault’s life is an interesting philosophical argument. On one hand, his disregard for what society thinks of him allows him to live more freely. However, I wonder if Meursault can really be happy, since even though he does whatever he wants, his lack of feeling means he never truly enjoys it, and he doesn’t actively pursue things that will make him happy. Thus, even though I disliked the book, it prompted me to change some of my opinions about life as I contemplated it. I think Meursault’s story is something anyone can learn from — if you worry too much about what others think of you, take some of Meursault’s apathy and worry less about it. If you don’t worry enough what others think, remember that what may not be important to you might be important to them, and if they are someone important to you, don’t just ignore that.
Zoie S
I agree with your view of The Stranger! Mersault was such a complicated character, and it was interesting not to fully agree with the views of the main character. There is some value to be taken from his way of thinking, because living a life consumed by the opinions of others would be difficult.