If you’ve ever wondered what existentialism looks like in action (not just in a dry philosophy text), this is the book for you. Set in moody, pre-WWII Paris, Sartre’s novel is packed with vibrant cafes, bohemian nightlife, and characters clinging desperately to freedom and meaning. It’s character-driven, deeply introspective, and peppered with philosophical musings about responsibility, agency, and what it means to grow up. Ideal for fans of philosophical fiction, modern classics, and anyone who enjoys reading about complicated people in complicated times.

Who May Not Like This Book:

If you’re after a plot-driven page-turner or sympathetic, heartwarming characters, this might not be your cup of coffee. Some readers find the novel dense, slow-moving, or too focused on navel-gazing and angsty dialogue. The characters can come off as privileged, self-absorbed, and not particularly likable, which can make connecting with them tough. Also, Sartre’s portrayal of certain themes - like sexuality and gender - can feel dated or problematic to modern readers.

A thoughtful, atmospheric novel that dives deep into questions of freedom, responsibility, and the messy process of becoming an adult. Intense, philosophical, and very Parisian - perfect if you like your fiction with big ideas, but maybe not if you just want a straightforward story.

About:

'The Age of Reason' by Jean-Paul Sartre is a novel set in Paris in 1938, focusing on Mathieu Delarue, a philosophy teacher facing the consequences of his mistress, Marcelle's pregnancy. The story delves into Mathieu's internal struggle with the impending responsibilities that threaten his freedom, leading to a contemplative exploration of existential themes. The narrative captures the pre-war Parisian atmosphere, portraying a cast of complex characters navigating personal dilemmas against the backdrop of societal changes.

Characters:

Characters are depicted as complex and often self-centered, reflecting the existential themes of freedom, commitment, and personal crisis.

Writing/Prose:

Sartre employs a dialogue-heavy style, blending lyrical prose with philosophical introspection, enhancing character exploration.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows Matthieu's quest for money to address a personal crisis while delving into themes of freedom and responsibility amidst a looming war.

Setting:

Set in pre-war Paris, the novel's atmosphere captures the tension of an era on the brink of change while exploring bohemian lifestyles.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, starting slowly but intensifying towards the conclusion, with some readers finding initial sections less engaging.

He produced from his pocket a rectangular bit of green card, and handed it to Mathieu. Mathieu read: ‘C.N.T. Diario Confederal. Ejempteres 2. France. Anarcho-Syndicalist Committee, 41 Rue de Bellevill...

Notes:

The Age of Reason is part of Sartre's Roads to Freedom trilogy.

The story is set over two days in Paris in 1938, before World War II.

The protagonist, Mathieu, grapples with an unplanned pregnancy and his desire for freedom.

The novel explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and existentialism.

Sartre's philosophy suggests that freedom is linked to the choices we make and the responsibility for those choices.

Mathieu's life is impacted by the looming threat of war and his relationships with friends who each have their own struggles.

Characters in the novel face moral dilemmas, illustrating Sartre's exploration of freedom versus societal norms.

The book is characterized by heavy dialogue, making it feel a bit like a play at times.

Sartre portrays many flawed characters, reflecting the complexities of human nature and relationships.

The novel suggests that marriage and family can be seen as forms of 'slavery' to societal expectations.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Potential content warnings include themes of abortion, existential dread, discussions of homosexuality, and moral complexities.

Has Romance?

There is a medium presence of romance within the narrative, primarily through the protagonist's relationships and romantic dilemmas.

From The Publisher:

The first novel of Sartre's monumental Roads to Freedom series, The Age of Reason is set in 1938 and tells of Mathieu, a French professor of philosophy who is obsessed with the idea of freedom. As the shadows of the Second World War draw closer - even as his personal life is complicated by his mistress's pregnancy - his search for a way to remain free becomes more and more intense.

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About the Author:

Philosopher, novelist, playwright, and polemicist, Jean-Paul Sartre is thought to have been the central figure in post-war European culture and political thinking. He is the author of The Age of Reason, The Words, and the play No Exit among other works.

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The Age of Reason

Jean-Paul Sartre

Book 1 in the series:The Roads to Freedom

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