The Plague - This is a novel written in the 1940s, about a city facing the epidemic of plague, which stays relevant to the current situation we live in. The events recorded here, the preventive measures taken and multiple attempts for a successful vaccine are similar to the scenario during the outbreak of covid.
The characterization in the novel is very good and the characters depict how the society reacts to the epidemic.
The novel depicts Dr. Rieux as the doctor who helps the town fight against the epidemic and spends sleepless nights treating people. The doctor works for the society keeping aside his personal distress of separation from his sick wife who is out-of-town. A character which signifies the role of doctors in facing the epidemic.
Another character Tarrou, a new entrant to the town before the quarantine who has views against death penalty in the judicial system and now lives in a town facing the fear of death in an unusual and unjust situation. He takes up the role of organizing the citizens of the town into volunteering teams. A character which depicts a man who lives by his principles and volunteers himself for a social cause.
The character of Rambert, a journalist from outside the town, who gets trapped during quarantine and takes desperate attempts to escape. A character that deals with the pain of separation from his loved one.
Another interestingly written character is Cottard - a person who has committed a crime in the past and is under a threat to get arrested. He is happy when the town falls under quarantine, as he is not the only person in the state of constant fear. The people of the town are in a state of arrest inside the town. A criminal who is free inside the town as the epidemic keeps the police busy.
There are other minor characters that bring out the religious and conservative views of the town.
All these characters make this novel an interesting read.
Worth reading!
