Jean-Paul Sartre's 'Nausea' is a seminal existential novel that delves into the themes of existential angst and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. Through the introspective diary entries of Antoine Roquentin, a solitary historian residing in the fictional town of Bouville, the novel explores the overwhelming sensation of 'nausea'—a profound discomfort and disorientation felt as he confronts the absurdity of existence. Sartre's nuanced philosophical insights underscore the fluid and often despairing nature of human consciousness, making the narrative a cornerstone of existential literature. 'Nausea' invites readers to ponder deeply their own existence and the essence of freedom, responsibility, and self-definition in a world devoid of inherent meaning.
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) was a towering figure in 20th-century philosophy and literature, renowned for his profound contributions to existentialism and phenomenology. Born in Paris, Sartre's intellectual journey led him to study at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure. His early philosophical writings laid the groundwork for his seminal work, 'Being and Nothingness' (1943), a cornerstone of existential philosophy. Beyond philosophy, Sartre's literary repertoire includes acclaimed novels like 'Nausea' (1938) and the play 'No Exit' (1944), showcasing his talent for exploring existential themes. A vocal political activist, his rejection of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964 underscored his commitment to his principles. Sartre's profound impact on both literature and existential thought continues to influence writers and philosophers worldwide.
Set in colonial Rhodesia, this psychological novel explores the fraught relationship between a white woman and her Black servant. When Mary Turner’s fragile life on a remote farm spirals into violence and tragedy, Lessing exposes the corrosive effects of racism, isolation, and repressed emotion. The Grass is Singing is a haunting debut that critiques colonial society and gender dynamics with unflinching honesty.
The murder of brutal landowner Fyodor Karamazov changes the lives of his sons irrevocably: Mitya, the sensualist, whose bitter rivalry with his father immediately places him under suspicion for parricide; Ivan, the intellectual, driven to breakdown; the spiritual Alyosha, who tries to heal the family's rifts; and the shadowy figure of their bastard half-brother, Smerdyakov. Dostoyevsky's dark masterwork evokes a world where the lines between innocence and corruption, good and evil, blur and everyone's faith in humanity is tested.
by Leo Tolstoy
Acclaimed by many as the world's greatest novel, Anna Karenina provides a vast panorama of contemporary life in Russia and of humanity in general. In it Tolstoy uses his intense imaginative insight to create some of the most memorable characters in all of literature. Anna is a sophisticated woman who abandons her empty existence as the wife of Karenin and turns to Count Vronsky to fulfil her passionate nature - with tragic consequences. Levin is a reflection of Tolstoy himself, often expressing the author's own views and convictions.
by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451" is a profound dystopian novel that delves into the consequences of a society bereft of critical thinking and free expression. Set in a future where books are banned and 'firemen' burn any that are found, the narrative follows Guy Montag, a fireman who begins to question his role in suppressing knowledge. The novel explores themes of censorship, the dehumanizing effects of technology, and the power of literature to inspire change. Bradbury's incisive commentary on conformity and intellectual repression remains remarkably pertinent, making it a timeless critique of society's foibles and the resilience of the human spirit in the pursuit of truth.