existential crime novels

Existential crime novels often focus on the moral and philosophical dilemmas of the characters. They might explore themes like the meaninglessness of life in the context of crime. The characters in such novels are usually complex, with their own internal struggles that go beyond just the act of committing or solving a crime.

Sure. 'The Long Goodbye' by Raymond Chandler is a great example. The main character, Marlowe, is not just a detective but also a complex figure dealing with his own sense of self and his place in a rather unforgiving world. Also, 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis has elements of existential crime. It shows the extreme and disturbing psyche of a character who is involved in violent acts while also being a part of the consumerist society, which gives it an existential flavor.

Existential crime fiction often delves into the deeper meaning and existence of characters within the context of crime. It's not just about the whodunit, but more about the why and how it relates to the characters' sense of self and their place in the world. For example, in some works, the detective may be struggling with his own moral and existential crises while solving the crime.

One of the well - known works is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It has elements of crime as the protagonist commits a murder, and it's also a profound exploration of his existential state. Another is 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. Raskolnikov's crime is deeply connected to his existential angst about his place in society and his own morality.

Some of the well - known existential novels include 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It explores themes of alienation and the absurdity of life through the character of Meursault. Another is 'Nausea' by Jean - Paul Sartre, which delves into the experience of existence and the feeling of nausea that the protagonist experiences when faced with the contingency of life. 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky can also be considered in this regard as it examines the moral and existential crisis of the main character, Raskolnikov, after he commits a murder.

Another great one is 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoevsky. While not strictly an existentialist novel in the purest sense, it contains many existential themes. Raskolnikov's struggle with his conscience after committing a murder is a profound exploration of guilt, free will, and the search for meaning in a complex world.

One of the most well - known existential American novels is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J. D. Salinger. It explores themes of alienation and the search for identity through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. Another is 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac, which embodies the spirit of the Beat Generation and the quest for meaning in a fast - changing world. Also, 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway has elements of existentialism as it shows characters dealing with disillusionment and the search for purpose in post - World War I Europe.

One of the best is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It presents a nihilistic view through the character of Meursault. His detached and indifferent attitude towards life, death, and society's norms is a classic exploration of existential themes.

Often, Japanese existential novels focus on the individual's struggle within society. They might explore feelings of isolation, like in many works by Haruki Murakami. His characters often seem adrift in a complex and sometimes alienating world.

Jean - Paul Sartre's 'Nausea' is also a top choice. The main character, Roquentin, experiences a sense of nausea when faced with the absurdity of existence. Sartre uses vivid descriptions to convey Roquentin's feelings about the meaninglessness of life and how he grapples with his own identity in a world that seems to lack inherent purpose.