La nausée

Published in 1938, 'La Nausée' is Sartre's first novel and a seminal work of existentialist philosophy.

The story is told through the diary entries of Antoine Roquentin, a historian living in the fictional French town of Bouville.

Roquentin experiences a pervasive and overwhelming feeling of nausea as he confronts the contingency and meaninglessness of existence.

The novel delves into themes such as the loneliness of freedom, the distinction between existence and essence, and the inherent meaninglessness of life unless personal commitments are made.

Through Roquentin's struggles, Sartre dramatizes his existentialist creed, emphasizing the individual's freedom and responsibility to create their own meaning in life.