The Jokers
The Jokers
Book Brief
Beta145
Novel • Fiction
Unnamed Middle Eastern City • 1960s
2010
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Jokers by Albert Cossery follows a group of individuals in a Middle Eastern city who use humor and absurdity to undermine and resist a corrupt government. The individuals form a satirical opposition, highlighting the power of ridicule in challenging authority and provoking change while navigating a repressive political landscape.
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Playful
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
817 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Jokers by Albert Cossery is widely praised for its satirical examination of political absurdity and social inertia. Critics laud its sharp wit and unique voice, while some note the plot's occasional lack of depth. The novel's humor and critique of power dynamics resonate well with readers, despite its sometimes understated narrative.
Who Should Read The Jokers?
A reader intrigued by satirical examinations of political power and societal absurdities would enjoy The Jokers by Albert Cossery. Fans of George Orwell’s Animal Farm or Milan Kundera’s The Joke will appreciate Cossery’s humor and critique of authority through an anarchic lens.
817 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Albert Cossery, though Egyptian by birth, wrote The Jokers in French, showcasing his wit and sharp satire through a literary style often compared to that of Voltaire and Camus.
Set in an unnamed Middle Eastern city, The Jokers reflects Cossery's disdain for authority and his admiration for individuals who refuse to take life too seriously, embodying his belief in the power of humor as a form of resistance.
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Cossery was known for his minimalist lifestyle, famously owning only the clothes he wore; this philosophy of simplicity and rebellion against materialism permeates the ethos of The Jokers.
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145
Novel • Fiction
Unnamed Middle Eastern City • 1960s
2010
Adult
18+ years
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