A happy death

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'.