I like Camus's fiction far more than his actual philosophical writings. Here, the idea of the absurd is laid bare in how one man's realization of it catastrophizes his entire self-image. Ironically, Clamence ultimately rejects the absurd and falls (no pun intended) into the leap-of-faith considered by Kierkegaard. A great character-driving narrative about the internal complacency and duplicity (and complacent duplicity) of humans - especially those who are convinced of their righteousness and pomp.