The Fall

by Albert Camus
The Fall cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 5397
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780141978871
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2013-10-31
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 3

Jean-Baptiste Clamence, once a successful lawyer, finds himself in a state of turmoil. Over several nights in an Amsterdam bar, he pours out his story to a stranger, exposing a life marked by guilt, hypocrisy, and alienation. His confessions paint a vivid picture of a man who has lost his innocence and struggles with the hollowness of his existence./n/nBeyond Clamence's personal disillusionment, Albert Camus's novella delves into the universal human condition, highlighting the absurdities that define our lives. The Fall is a profound exploration of conscience, self-judgment, and the inescapable realities of human nature.

Reviews
Literariness · 2022-10-11
thought-provoking 4.25

The Fall is considered an autobiographical novel that implicates all of humanity, exploring themes of judgment and self-reflection. The novel's depth and insight make it a significant work.

The reviewer analyzes The Fall as an autobiographical novel that implicates all of humanity. They highlight the novel's exploration of themes such as judgment and self-reflection, noting its depth and insight. The reviewer emphasizes the significance of the book, praising its ability to delve into the complexities of the human condition. The Fall is described as a profound and thought-provoking work that resonates with readers on a deep level.

Quick quotes

    Widely considered an autobiographical novel, The Fall essentially implicates all of humanity.

    We all judge one another but seek to avoid judgment by any means necessary.

    The Fall is an example of the master at the top of his game.

Benn Bell's Blog · 2018-08-03
profound 4.50

The Fall made a lasting impression and became a favorite, highlighting Camus' ability to delve into the human condition. The novel's impact endures over decades, resonating deeply with the reader.

The reviewer first read The Fall 34 years ago and it quickly became their favorite of Camus' works. They highlight how the novel made a huge impression on them, showcasing Camus' mastery in exploring the human condition. The reviewer emphasizes the enduring impact of the book, noting that it has remained a significant and influential piece in their life. The Fall is praised for its profound insights and the way it resonates with the reader long after the last page is turned.

Quick quotes

    I read The Fall for the first time 34 years ago when I was age 36.

    It made a huge impression on me then and quickly became my favorite of Camus'

    The Fall is indeed a masterpiece of concision and insight into the plight of modern human experience.

Irish Rover · 2018-03-23
inspirational 4.75

The Fall has been a guiding star in the reviewer's life, offering profound insights and shaping their perspective. The novel's impact is long-lasting and deeply personal.

The reviewer describes The Fall as one of the guiding stars of their life since they first read it. They highlight the novel's profound insights and how it has shaped their perspective over the years. The reviewer emphasizes the personal impact of the book, noting that it has been a constant source of inspiration and reflection. The Fall is praised for its ability to delve deeply into the human condition and its enduring relevance.

Quick quotes

    The Fall, by Albert Camus, has been one of the guiding stars of my life since I first read it.

    It's ultimately a story about a man's descent or 'fall from grace' as people say.

    The protagonist, Jean Baptiste Clamence, was initially a perfectly harmonic

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