Book Review: "The Age Of Reason" by Jean-Paul Sartre

 Written by Jean-Paul Sartre,The Age of Reason deals with the subjects of existentialism,suicide,individual freedom, and more. The plot revolves around the main character, named Mathieu Delarue, who urgently needs to raise 4000 francs for a safe abortion of his mistress Marcelle, as he doesn't see marriage as an option, which would mean the end of his "freedom." He tries to borrow money from other characters in the novel, but it doesn't work out. One of the people from whom he asks for the money is Daniel,a central character in the novel who is homosexual and suicidal. He tries to take his life on a couple of occasions in the book but is unable to do so. He denies Mathieu the money despite having it, talks Marcelle out of the idea of aborting the baby, and later even offers to marry her, to which she agrees whole heartedly.The novel ends as Daniel breaks this news to Mathieu, and he realizes that he can't do anything about it and has lost her.Other important characters include Boris,a student of Mathieu,his sister Ivich whom Mathieu loves and Lola who is in relationship with Boris and from whom Mathieu steals 4000 francs when he is left with no other choice.Overall,the novel is well written and the characters are memorable and relatable.