The First Man

An unfinished autobiographical novel that explores the author's early life in Algeria, reflecting on themes of identity, memory, and the search for meaning amidst personal and cultural upheaval. The story follows Jacques Cormery, a young man raised in Algeria, who goes on a journey of self-discovery as he reflects on his family history, his relationship with his mother, and the challenges of living under French colonial rule. Jacque searches for his biological father, whom he never knew. Jacques attempts to understand his own roots and his place in the world. His journey forces him to confront the complex dynamics of identity, family, and the tension between French and Algerian cultures. The book examines the broader themes of the human condition that Camus often explored: isolation, existential struggle, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe.