# A Happy Death

Canonical: https://www.bookquiver.com/albert-camus/a-happy-death/9780141186580

![A Happy Death](https://quivercdn.com/covers/penguin-classics/albert-camus/a-happy-death_978-01-4118-658-0.jpg?v=2026-04-23%2012%3A21%3A41)

- Book: [A Happy Death](https://www.bookquiver.com/albert-camus/a-happy-death) ([A Happy Death.md](https://www.bookquiver.com/albert-camus/a-happy-death.md))
- Authors: [Albert Camus](https://www.bookquiver.com/albert-camus)
- Publisher: penguin_classics
- ISBN: 978-01-4118-658-0
- Pages: 112
- Published: 2013-10-31
- Language: en_GB
- Binding: Softcover

## Description

Is it possible to die a happy death? This is the central question of Camus's astonishing early novel, published posthumously and greeted as a major literary event. It tells the story of a young Algerian, Mersault, who defies society's rules by committing a murder and escaping punishment, then experimenting with different ways of life and finally dying a happy man. In many ways A Happy Death is a fascinating first sketch for The Outsider , but it can also be seen as a candid self-portrait, drawing on Camus's memories of his youth, travels and early relationships. It is infused with lyrical descriptions of the sun-drenched Algiers of his childhood - the place where, eventually, Mersault is able to find peace and die 'without anger, without hatred, without regret'.