Is it possible to die a happy death? This is the central question of Camus' 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' 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'.

加缪（1913-1960），法国著名小说家、哲学家、戏剧家，出生于阿尔及利亚的蒙多维城。1957年因“热情而冷静地阐明了当代向人类良知提出的种种问题”而获诺贝尔文学奖，是有史以来最年轻的诺贝尔奖获奖作家之一。主要作品有小说《局外人》、《鼠疫》，哲学随笔《西西弗神话》、《反与正》、《反叛者》和剧本《卡利古拉》、《误会》等。