Bilgin Demir

The Roads to Freedom trilogy consists of three books: “The Age of Reason,” “The Reprieve,” and “Troubled Sleep (Iron in the Soul).

The Roads to Freedom trilogy is considered a masterpiece of existentialism. The series takes place during periods that lead up to WWII.

Mathieu, a Parisian teacher, grapples with his mortality and an overwhelming feeling of emptiness as the Age of Reason starts.

One of the novel’s strengths is the portrayal of Paris in the 1930s and a time of political turmoil. Sartre describes the city’s atmosphere with details, from the smoky cafes where intellectuals gather to the streets where Mathieu wanders in search of meaning. The book shows all characters searching for their lives. 

The book explores human existence and portrays the relationship between men and women.

I was impressed by Sartre’s writing style, as it is marked by his use of consciousness and his ability to create a strong sense of place and time while making you feel like you are living in Paris with characters.

The Reprieve is a complex and provoking novel that explores the lives of many characters in the days leading up to the Munich Agreement of 1938. Sartre explores issues of identity, freedom, and the human condition amidst political upheaval and uncertainty by delving into the experiences of these characters.

Each character struggles with existential questions and the fundamental questions of human existence.

By painting a vivid picture of Paris, the author presents a society on the verge of disintegration and grappling with its flaws and inadequacies.

Overall, “The Reprieve” is a powerful and deeply affecting novel that profoundly mediates the nature of human existence in the face of political turmoil and uncertainty.

Iron in the Soul is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the experiences of a group of French Resistance fighters during the German occupation of France in World War II.

Through their struggles, Sartre offers a nuanced and insightful exploration of the human condition in times of war and political upheaval. 

Sartre also offers a powerful and evocative portrayal of wartime France, with a sense of fear and danger and its moments of intense bravery and heroism. 

By portraying the city and its populace in great detail, the author captures the essence of a society fighting to uphold its dignity and humanity against oppression.

One of the scenes in the book explains the moral situation of soldiers traveling in a train, and how Sartre described their situation still amazes me to this day.

Overall, “Iron in the Soul” is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking novel that profoundly mediates the nature of human existence in times of political turmoil and uncertainty. Sartre’s keen insight into the human psyche and nuanced portrayals of his characters make the novel a compelling and memorable read.