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The First Man


I am currently reading this book by  Albert Camus. It is an autobiographical novel published after the author's  death by his daughter.

The narrator, 40 year old Jacques visits the tomb of his father whom he has never seen and never really felt any feelings for. But when looks at the date, he is shocked. His father had died at the age of 29 much younger than he is now. He suddenly starts feeling filial devotion for this person.

Jacques had a very tough childhood. His strict grandmother who is ready  to discipline the children rather than loving them, his  widowed deaf mother who will be in her own world, half mute uncle who is working as a laborer in a cooperage and hand to mouth existence.

One of the best books I have ever read.

Jacques is the teacher's pet. Because he is the orphan child of a war soldier. But when a classmate teases him saying that, Jacques has to fight him. There must be a duel - there own mode of duel. In which Jacques gives Munaz, his opponent a black eye. But principal punishes him when Manaz's grandmother complains.

Bernad - Jacques' teacher wants him to study further. But grandmother is worried that he won't be (he is just 8) contributing to family's meager income for another 5 years. Bernard comes to his home and convinces grandmother and finally she yields. And Bernard gives extra tuitions to him free of cost for the entrance exam. Of course he passes in the exam

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