Literary Fiction· France
Nausea
by Jean-Paul SartreAggregate Editorial Score38/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1938240 pagesEnglish
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Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Nausea (1938) by Jean-Paul Sartre continues to receive. Antoine Roquentin, a historian in Bouville, begins to feel a profound, inexplicable nausea—an awareness of the sheer contingency and meaninglessness of existence. Sartre's first novel is the supreme philosophical novel of existentialism. Themes of existentialism, nausea, freedom run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1938.
Book Details
About the Category
📖 Literary Fiction
Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.
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🇫🇷 France
This book is part of France's rich literary tradition.
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Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1938 in France, it engages with existentialism, nausea, freedom, consciousness in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention.
The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: ALA Notable Books 1938. Its aggregate editorial score of 38/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals.
The appeal of Nausea lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of existentialism, nausea, freedom, consciousness is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page.
Within France's literary landscape, Jean-Paul Sartre occupies a significant position. Nausea is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
Awards & Recognition
ALA Notable Books
notable · national
193810
Jean-Paul Sartre is a celebrated author from France known for influential works of literary fiction.
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