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Literary Fiction· France

The Fall

by Albert Camus
Aggregate Editorial Score36/100
ALA Notable Books
Published 1956147 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 1956, The Fall established Albert Camus as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. Jean-Baptiste Clamence, a former Parisian lawyer now in an Amsterdam bar, delivers a monologue of confession and seduction to a stranger. Camus's final novel is a brilliant study in the psychology of guilt and self-justification. Themes of guilt, self-deception, confession run through the work. The book has received recognition from ALA Notable Books 1956.

Book Details

AuthorAlbert Camus
Published1956
Country of Origin🇫🇷 France
LanguageEnglish
Pages147
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679720225
Editorial Score36/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇫🇷 France

This book is part of France's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 1956, Albert Camus's The Fall is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with guilt, self-deception, confession, justice gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. 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 1956. Its aggregate editorial score of 36/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of The Fall lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of guilt, self-deception, confession, justice is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Albert Camus's role in the literature of France is well established. The Fall can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
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
195610
✍️
About the Author
Albert Camus
France
View Author →

Albert Camus is a celebrated author from France known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Fall about?

Jean-Baptiste Clamence, a former Parisian lawyer now in an Amsterdam bar, delivers a monologue of confession and seduction to a stranger. Camus's final novel is a brilliant study in the psychology of guilt and self-justification.

Who wrote The Fall?

The Fall was written by Albert Camus, from France. First published in 1956.

What awards has The Fall won?

The Fall has received the following awards and honours: ALA Notable Books 1956.

Is The Fall worth reading?

The Fall is a book that has earned critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 10/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in guilt, self-deception, confession.

Where can I buy The Fall?

You can buy The Fall on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Fall?

The Fall is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Fall from?

The Fall originates from France's literary tradition. Explore more books from France on our country page.

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