“The Stranger” by Albert Camus was first published in 1942 and is considered one of the French philosopher’s best works, contributing significantly to the existentialism movement.
It tells the story of Meursault, a detached and indifferent French Algerian man living in colonial Algiers. The novel begins with the death of Meursault’s mother, whose funeral he attends.
Throughout the story, Meursault exhibits an apathetic and emotionally detached behavior, which often clashes with societal expectations and norms.
The narrative takes a dramatic turn when he commits a seemingly senseless act of violence against another person. The story then delves into Meursault’s trial and the exploration of his existential nature.
The lack of remorse for his actions and his inability to conform to societal expectations make him a “stranger” in the eyes of others.
As the story progresses, themes related to the philosophy of existentialism come to the forefront.
Meursault confronts questions about life’s meaning, the absurdity of existence, the indifference of the universe and the inevitability of death.
With 6 million copies sold, “The Stranger” is a widely studied novel, known for its exploration of existentialism and profound impact on philosophical and literary discourse.
It continues to provoke discussions about the nature of human existence, individual freedom and the search for meaning in an indifferent world.
Camus was a French philosopher, author and journalist. Among his notable works are “The Plague,” “The Myth of Sisyphus” and “The Fall.”
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957 “for his important literary production, which with clear-sighted earnestness illuminates the problems of the human conscience in our times.”
REVIEW: ‘Indiana Jones and the Great Circle’ puts you in the dusty boots of the famous archeologist
Updated 15 January 2025
James Denselow
LONDON: “Indiana Jones and the Great Circle” is a bold attempt at blending classic adventure tropes with modern gaming sensibilities, although its bland title hardly does justice to the grand scope of its ambition.
This globe-trotting 1930s adventure is steeped in intrigue, setting players on a path to uncover a secret order of giants hidden beneath the Vatican, with the ever-looming menace of Nazi antagonists turning the stakes even higher.
Fans of the “Tomb Raider” series will find themselves on familiar terrain here, although the game also sprinkles in elements reminiscent of “Metal Gear Solid.” However, instead of espionage-heavy stealth, “The Great Circle” leans into satisfying puzzles and visceral hand-to-hand combat. The result is a game that feels rooted in the past — both in its narrative themes and its retro gameplay touches.
The game’s combat is refreshingly physical, emphasizing fistfights over gunplay. The punches land with gratifying impact, accompanied by retro sound effects that evoke arcade classics. It’s an unusual focus in a genre often dominated by firearms, and it works surprisingly well — although the simplicity of enemy AI detracts from the experience. Combat can sometimes feel clunky, with enemies behaving erratically, and often hilariously, as doors inexplicably lock or bodies pile up in awkward positions.
Puzzles are another highlight, designed to strike a balance between challenge and accessibility. They won’t leave players stumped for hours but provide enough complexity to feel rewarding. The puzzles’ old-fashioned mechanics, like physically turning keys or deciphering simple codes, give a nostalgic charm that ties into the game’s 1930s setting.
An upgrade tree powered by collectible “adventure points” adds a sense of progression, allowing players to enhance abilities as they go. The system is straightforward but effective, offering enough variety to make exploration worthwhile without overwhelming casual players.
“The Great Circle” thrives on its pulp-inspired storytelling. The global backdrop feels suitably grand, with locales such as nighttime Rome brought to life in stunning detail. The plot blends historical mysteries with fantastical elements, and while it may tread familiar ground for seasoned fans of the genre, the banter and dialogue keep things fresh as Indy looks to thwart the Nazis’ evil plans.
The protagonist channels Indiana Jones-style sass with ease, while a determined and witty female companion ensures the dynamic never grows stale. The interplay between the two characters is sharp and effective, adding much-needed levity to a story that could otherwise veer into melodrama.
However, the game’s identikit fascist enemies lack nuance, serving as little more than cannon fodder. For a story with such an ambitious concept, it’s disappointing that the antagonists don’t feel more distinctive.
Where “The Great Circle” truly shines is in its environments. From the cobbled streets of Rome to the Pyramids of Giza, the attention to detail is remarkable. The game also makes clever use of its camera, offering subtle hints during exploration and rewarding players with fascinating historical tidbits.
The Great Circle is a film fan’s dream, packed with nods to adventure classics and brimming with nostalgic charm. For newcomers to the genre, it may feel less engaging due to its dated mechanics and occasional lack of polish. Still, it’s a satisfying romp for those willing to embrace its retro roots and cinematic flair.
What We Are Reading Today: ‘Doctors by Nature’ by Jaap De Roode
Updated 14 January 2025
Arab News
Ages before the dawn of modern medicine, wild animals were harnessing the power of nature’s pharmacy to heal themselves.
“Doctors by Nature” reveals what researchers are now learning about the medical wonders of the animal world.
Drawing on illuminating interviews with leading scientists from around the globe as well as Jaap de Roode’s own pioneering research on monarch butterflies, he demonstrates how animals of all kinds—from ants to apes, from bees to bears, and from cats to caterpillars—use various forms of medicine to treat their own ailments and those of their relatives.
What We Are Reading Today: ‘So Simple a Beginning’
A human being is very different from a bacterium or a zebra
Updated 13 January 2025
Arab News
Author: RAGHUVEER PARTHASARATHY
The form and function of a sprinting cheetah are quite unlike those of a rooted tree.
A human being is very different from a bacterium or a zebra. The living world is a realm of dazzling variety, yet a shared set of physical principles shapes the forms and behaviors of every creature in it.
“So Simple a Beginning” shows how the emerging new science of biophysics is transforming our understanding of life on Earth and enabling potentially lifesaving but controversial technologies such as gene editing, artificial organ growth, and ecosystem engineering.
What We Are Reading Today: ‘Data Analysis for Social Science’
Updated 12 January 2025
Arab News
Authors: Eleba Llaudet and Kosuke
“Data Analysis for Social Science” provides a friendly introduction to the statistical concepts and programming skills needed to conduct and evaluate social scientific studies.
Assuming no prior knowledge of statistics and coding and only minimal knowledge of math, the book teaches the fundamentals of survey research, predictive models, and causal inference while analyzing data from published studies with the statistical program R.
If you need a story that is thought-provoking and emotional, give ‘Sparks Like Stars’ a try. Or if you love historical fiction, because it’s about an actual event — a Soviet-backed coup against the president of Afghanistan.
The story starts with getting to know Sitara. She is a privileged 10-year-old whose father is a diplomat and close friend of the country’s president; she spends many days running around the presidential palace. That is until the soldiers kill her entire family, and she sees it all happening, forever changing her.
