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TL;DR: Antoine Roquentin, a historian living in the French port city of Bouville, begins to experience a strange sickness he calls “nausea” when he sees objects and realizes the contingency of existence. He keeps a diary of his reflections and his encounters.
Table of Contents
Nausea at a Glance
| Author | Jean-Paul Sartre |
| First published | 1938 |
| Type | Existential novel |
| Best for | readers who want a classic of existentialist fiction |
Nausea is a novel by Jean-Paul Sartre, first published in 1938. Sartre was a leading existentialist philosopher. The novel illustrates his ideas. Below you will find a part-by-part summary, five key takeaways, a few ideas worth remembering and a note on who will enjoy it most. The part-by-part section gives away the plot, including the ending, so skip it if you have not read the book yet.
What Happens, Part by Part (Contains Spoilers)
The diary
Roquentin begins keeping a diary.
Nausea
He feels disgust at ordinary objects.
The Self-Taught Man
He meets a man who is reading books alphabetically.
Anny
He remembers a former lover.
The chestnut tree
He has a revelation about existence.
A choice
He decides to write.
The Summary at a Glance
| Part | In one line |
|---|---|
| The diary | Roquentin begins keeping a diary. |
| Nausea | He feels disgust at ordinary objects. |
| The Self-Taught Man | He meets a man who is reading books alphabetically. |
| Anny | He remembers a former lover. |
| The chestnut tree | He has a revelation about existence. |
| A choice | He decides to write. |
5 Key Takeaways
- Existence precedes essence.
- Meaning must be created.
- Contingency can be unsettling.
- Art can offer a way out.
- Freedom brings anxiety.
Ideas Worth Remembering
These are paraphrased, not direct quotes:
- The novel is philosophical.
- The diary form gives intimacy.
- It is demanding.
Who Should Read Nausea?
Read it if you like philosophy. It is dense.
Questions to Think About After Reading
These prompts work for solo reading, a book club or a classroom discussion of Nausea:
- Which character did you understand best, and what did the author do to make you feel that way?
- Which scene would you change, and what would that do to the ending?
- What does the book say about its main theme that you agree or disagree with?
Quick Facts to Remember
- Book: Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre (1938)
- Type: Existential novel
- Best for: readers who want a classic of existentialist fiction
- Main idea in one line: Existence precedes essence.
Reading Time and Format
Novels differ a lot in length and pace, so check the page count of your edition before you start. If you prefer to listen, many public libraries lend audiobooks through free apps, and a narrated edition can suit a long novel well. Whichever format you choose, a library copy is a low-cost way to try the book before you buy, and used or digital editions are often cheaper than new print copies.
How to Use This Summary
Use this page as a quick reference before a book club meeting, an exam, or a decision about whether Nausea is worth your time. The takeaways are written to stand on their own. If a point interests you, go back to the book for the author's full argument, examples and style, which no short summary can carry.
A simple way to get the most from it: first read the TL;DR and the takeaways to decide if the book fits your interests, then read the part-by-part section for the structure, and finally write down one idea you want to remember or one question you want answered by the full text.
A Note on Accuracy and Spoilers
This summary is based on the published text of Nausea, not on any film, series or stage adaptation, which often change the story. Details are kept at the level of the main events so that nothing is invented. Editions differ slightly in length and wording, so page numbers and small details may vary from your copy.
Should You Read the Book?
If you plan to read it, set aside a few evenings and read the opening chapters before you decide. A summary tells you what happens, but the voice and pacing are what make a novel work or not. If you are still unsure, read a free sample or the first chapter, because the opening pages usually show whether the voice and subject suit you. Reviews from readers with tastes like yours can help too, but your own reaction to a few pages is the best test.
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What to Read Next
- The Stranger by Albert Camus: an existential novel
- Being and Nothingness by Jean-Paul Sartre: his philosophical work
- No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre: a play
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nausea in the novel?
A feeling of disgust at existence.
Who wrote it?
Jean-Paul Sartre.
Is it hard to read?
It is philosophical.
Is Nausea worth reading?
It depends on what you want. The book is best for readers who want a classic of existentialist fiction. If that describes you, it is likely a good fit. If not, the titles under What to Read Next may suit you better.
Can this summary replace reading Nausea?
No. A summary covers the main events and ideas, but it cannot carry the author's voice, detail or pacing. Use it to decide whether to read the book, to refresh your memory or to prepare for a discussion.
What are the main themes of Nausea?
Nausea returns again and again to a few big ideas. Existence precedes essence. Meaning must be created. Contingency can be unsettling. Art can offer a way out. Freedom brings anxiety. The part-by-part summary above shows where each of these ideas appears in the story.
What ideas from Nausea are worth remembering?
Readers often come away with these points in mind: The novel is philosophical. The diary form gives intimacy. It is demanding.