Absurdism may seem strange, but it’s a lens through which we can better understand the chaos, randomness, and sometimes ridiculousness of life. These five books explore absurdist themes in different ways, from the gothic and surreal to the comical and satirical. Whether you’re drawn to the philosophical ponderings of Kafka or the laugh-out-loud wit of Adams, these works will open your eyes to a world that’s as bewildering as it is fascinating. You might just find that the world makes a little more sense when you embrace the chaos. Here’s a list of five absurdist books, that embrace the genre’s surreal, often darkly humorous, and thought-provoking nature:
List of absurdist books
For this post, I’ve selected 6 absurdist book recommendations. Check out my bookshelf for the full archive.
Poor Things
This novel is a playful and bizarre exploration of life, death, and identity, centered around the character of Bella Baxter, who is brought back to life by a mad scientist. Gray’s mix of satire, absurdity, and philosophical questions makes for a unique reading experience.
The Metamorphosis
by Franz Kafka
Perhaps one of the most iconic absurdist works, Kafka’s tale of Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect, delves into themes of alienation, family dynamics, and the absurdity of existence.
Waiting for Godot
by Samuel Beckett
This is one of the defining works of absurdist theater, where two characters, Vladimir and Estragon, wait for a man named Godot who may or may not show up. The play explores the meaninglessness of existence and the absurdity of human actions.
The Master and Margarita
by Mikhail Bulgakov
A complex novel that blends fantasy, political satire, and absurdism, it features the Devil visiting Soviet Russia and wreaking havoc, interwoven with the story of Pontius Pilate. It’s surreal, philosophical, and darkly comic.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
by Douglas Adams
A comedic absurdist sci-fi series that begins with an ordinary man being swept off Earth just before it’s destroyed. Filled with wit, absurd situations, and strange characters, it questions the absurdity of life and the universe.
The Lottery
by Shirley Jackson
Another book that strikes at the heart of absurdism is Shirley Jackson’s The Lottery. Though it’s often categorized as horror, there’s a deep absurdist undercurrent to this short story that reveals how blind adherence to tradition can lead to horrific outcomes. The story takes place in a small, seemingly ordinary town where the inhabitants partake in an annual ritual: the lottery. The winner is stoned to death, with no one questioning the reasoning behind such a violent act. The randomness and senselessness of the ritual, combined with the villagers’ willingness to go along with it, perfectly encapsulate the absurdity that absurdist literature often aims to highlight. It’s a stark commentary on how societal norms and customs can become so ingrained that they’re followed without thought, revealing the terrifyingly arbitrary nature of tradition and violence. Jackson’s tale made me reflect on the absurd rituals we all take part in—often without ever asking why—and the consequences of living in a world where meaning seems to be entirely made up as we go along.
These were my book recommendations, featuring a mix of absurdist books and more. You can browse through my bookshelf to explore the full archive, or sign up to receive future book recommendations.
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