I picked up this book after reading Brothers Karamazov because I wanted to explore its themes in a more political sense. I went in already knowing a lot of the fundamental concepts of communism and I consider myself a communist, but this was the first time I'd read essays devoted to the belief. Of course, Camus covers so much more than just communism here; the entire book encompasses so many facets of life and belief, it's rather overwhelming to put into words. But I like that it can be so enriched with different lines of thought because it's so challenging. Everything is complex! I don't need to be coddled.

I adore Camus as an essayist compared to a fictional writer (I've only read The Stranger but it was just okay), and this book reminds me of every reason why the man is just EXCELLENT. The way the essays progress to define historical events, movements, figures, and philosophers, that then accumulate to later points is perfectly constructed. Every page and part within the book contributes to the larger themes that he drives home in the last few pages. I learned so much while reading and actively utilized his examples to keep up with his material. Rather than having to read all the foundational philosophers that political activists throw at each other for the past century, Camus condenses some of their major points with his own themes that he thinks defines political progress. Of course I still want to read the major people, but I know so much more now!! I really appreciate the way he developed his thoughts as the book progressed.

I agree with other reviews that he greatly challenges Marxism with plenty of points to support him, but I don't think he ever outright denies its cause. The time that he wrote is PIVOTAL to understanding why he wrote the book to begin with and just how important it was and continues to be. Rebellion and revolution are questions that still haunt us today in America. It's very important to consider past attempts at revolution and how that affected people, especially with the moral issue of totalitarian communism. Considering how it all went with Lenin and Stalin, criticism is greatly deserved. I don't have much to say about it than that, because opinions aren't always needed. Either way, I learned a lot from that section of the book alone, aside from everything else he writes about. 

All in all an amazing read. Very informative and thoughtful, made my brain hurt as I continued but I liked that I was challenging myself so much in reading it. Dichotomies are everywhere and history is very complicated, yada yada. I luv Camus!! <3