Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre

Jean-Paul Sartre's 'Nausea' is a seminal work of existentialist literature that delves into the inner turmoil of its protagonist, Antoine Roquentin, as he grapples with the absurdity of existence. The novel is set in the fictional town of Bouville, where Roquentin, a historian, experiences a profound crisis that challenges his perception of reality and his place within it. Through Roquentin's journal entries, Sartre masterfully explores themes of existentialism, phenomenology, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The novel's title, 'Nausea,' refers to the overwhelming sense of revulsion and disorientation that Roquentin feels as he confronts the contingency of human existence. Sartre's prose is both deeply philosophical and intensely personal, creating a work that is both a literary masterpiece and a profound philosophical treatise.

Reviews

Book, Coffee, Cat · 2025-03-15

impactful 4.25

The book is described as raw, unsettling, and thought-provoking, challenging readers to experience it rather than just read it. They find Sartre's writing to be deeply impactful and philosophically rich.

This review highlights the raw and unsettling nature of Sartre's writing, describing the book as a profound experience rather than a mere read. They appreciate the philosophical depth and the way it challenges readers to think deeply about the human condition. The review notes that the book is not just about the plot but about the existential questions it raises. They find the writing to be deeply impactful, making it a significant work in existential literature. The review also suggests that the book's unsettling nature is part of its appeal, as it forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about life and existence.

Quick quotes

It is not merely a book to read; it is a book to experience.

Sartre's writing is raw, unsettling, and thought-provoking, challenging us to ...

The book is unhurried, but it is not, overall, a book of droll, banal depression.

The Gemsbok · 2016-01-19

profound 3.75

The book is described as unhurried and not overly depressing, with a unique tone that sets it apart from more humorous works. They find it to be a profound exploration of angst and despair, though not in a droll or banal manner.

This review emphasizes the unhurried pace of the novel, noting that it is not a book of droll, banal depression. They compare it to more humorous works like Catch-22 and The Canterbury Tales, highlighting its unique tone. The book is seen as a profound exploration of angst and despair, but in a way that is not overly depressing. They appreciate the depth of the characters and the philosophical questions raised, making it a significant read for those interested in existential literature. The review also notes that the book's lack of humor is not a detriment but rather adds to its serious and introspective nature.

Quick quotes

The book is unhurried, but it is not, overall, a book of droll, banal depression.

Though not so humorous as Catch-22 or The Canterbury Tales, ...

It is a deeply unsettling read, and one of Sartre's earliest and least-political works, as it was written before the Second World War, after...

Triumph of the Now · 2015-03-07

thoughtful 3.50

The novel explores existential questions about the purpose of life, delving into themes of love, knowledge, and the human condition. They appreciate the philosophical depth but find the narrative somewhat detached and introspective.

In this review, the focus is on the existential themes that Sartre weaves into the narrative. They highlight how the book questions the essence of life, exploring whether it's about the pursuit of food, sex, love, money, or knowledge. The writing is introspective and philosophical, which they appreciate, but they also note that the narrative can feel detached and somewhat cold. This makes the book a challenging but rewarding read for those interested in existential philosophy. They suggest that readers might find the book's lack of political context, as it was written before the Second World War, adds to its timeless quality.

Quick quotes

Is life about the pursuit of food? Sex? Love? Money? Knowledge? For me, this isn't...

Nausea, Sartre's philosophical first novel, is all about this.

It is a deeply unsettling read, and one of Sartre's earliest and least-political works, as it was written before the Second World War, after...

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Best World Philosophy Books Ever Written (or Edited, as the case may be)