Absurdism is a lens through which we can better understand the chaos, randomness, and sometimes ridiculousness of life. Absurdism starts where nihilism stops. Both philosophies agree that life has no inherent meaning — but while nihilism considers that the end of the conversation, absurdism asks what comes next. Albert Camus, the philosopher most closely associated with the term, argued that there are three possible responses to a meaningless universe: suicide, philosophical evasion (what he called a “leap of faith”), or revolt — choosing to live fully anyway, without pretending the contradiction has been resolved.
That third option is what absurdist literature explores. Not comfort, exactly. But honesty. I came to these books during a period when I was done with stories that wrapped things up cleanly. These are the ones that stayed. 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.
“The absurd is born of the confrontation between the human need and the unreasonable silence of the world.” — Albert Camus
Where to start with absurdism — a reading order
Three concrete recommendations:
- Start here when you haven’t read absurdism before: The Stranger
- Read this if you want to read the philosophy: The Myth of Sisyphus
- Read this if you are experienced: The Master and Margarita of The Trial
Full list of absurdism 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.
Find Poor Things on Amazon, Waterstones, Bol.com, or Audible.
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.
Find The Lottery on Amazon, Waterstones, Bol.com, or Audible.
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