The First Man

The novel follows Jacques Cormery, a character closely based on Camus himself, as he searches for information about his father, Henri, who died in World War I before Jacques was born.

The story delves into Jacques' childhood in poverty-stricken Algeria, his relationship with his partially deaf and mute mother, and his experiences in school.

It also touches on the broader themes of colonialism, the impact of war, and the complex relationships between French and Arab communities in Algeria.

The book is notable for its autobiographical nature and was published posthumously from an unedited manuscript found in the car wreckage where Camus died.