The Meursault Investigation

by Kamel Daoud

[Whitney @ First Impressions Reviews]

In big named cases, such as Casey Anthony and Scott Peterson, it is usually the accused and not the victim who is remembered. This is the premise of The Meursault Investigation, to give a name to "The Arab" and who's story is finally told by his brother debunking Meursault's confession and celebrity status.

I am so glad I reread The Stranger before The Meursault Investigation as there was in depth mentions to it throughout the book and felt I had a clearer concept of the story when lets say, Harun mentions the news article Meursault read in prison. Another thing I found interesting was the continuous use of the time two o'clock (both am & pm) the time of the death of "The Arab". Musa, I should say, as he does have a name, an identity that shaped so many.

But Daoud's story is much more than a retelling of The Stranger, it is a compelling novel of a life lived in the shadow and the repercussions one action can have on so many. Despite, the concept of the novel I do not think The Meursault Investigation will live in the shadow of The Stranger, despite the fact that it breaths because of Camus, it is a novel that stands on its own two feet, unsupported, and is a fantastic read.