The Plague

The book brought back a lot of memories of 2019–2020, when we lived through the Covid lockdowns. The anxiety, the frustration, the fear of not knowing when it would all come to an end, how feelings intensified, and how uncertainty brought us all closer. We can’t say everyone suffered the same, and yet it felt like we were all in the same boat, irrespective of our financial status or religion. Everyone had to face the uncertainty. Some had it harder than others, losing loved ones, losing jobs, or worse.

The anxiety slowly changed into acceptance and, to some extent, resignation. The numerous conspiracy theories that sprang up, the questions about where we were heading, and all the uncertainty. It all felt so significant at the time.

And now, five years later, none of it seems as significant. All those deep thoughts, all the resolutions to always be there for our loved ones, did they remain? To some extent, but mostly, life just moved on.

In this book, the author writes about the town of Oran, which is hit by plague. He beautifully describes what the different characters in the town experience. From the initial phase of denial to lockdown and eventually opening up again, he captures what people go through so well. The writing is beautiful, almost poetic, and the different characters address so many aspects of our daily lives, from political inefficiencies to religious idiocy and more.

Dr. Rieux represents those who simply keep doing what needs to be done, even when there is no certainty that things will get better. Rambert, who initially wants to escape the town to return to the woman he loves, eventually chooses to stay and help. Tarrou is interesting because he chooses to act and help despite questioning the larger meaning of suffering. And then there is Cottard, who finds ways to benefit from the situation. Some overcome their frustration and learn to accept it as the new normal, while others use it as an opportunity to profit.

What stayed with me most is the idea that the plague never really disappears. It can return when you least expect it. Perhaps that is also why the book feels so relevant even five years after Covid.

Beautiful narration.

© 2026 Sindhuja Cheema Enzinger. All Rights Reserved.