10 Books on Existentialism That Will Make You Rethink Your Entire Life.
Existentialism is one of the most influential philosophical movements ever written about. Focused on freedom, identity, meaning, anxiety, and the human condition, existentialist books challenge readers to confront life’s biggest questions: Why are we here? What gives life meaning? How do we live authentically in an uncertain world?
For readers in Kenya interested in philosophy, psychology, literature, and self-discovery, existentialist books offer some of the most thought-provoking reading experiences available today. Whether you are completely new to philosophy or looking to deepen your understanding of existential thought, these books are excellent places to start.
1. The Stranger book by Albert Camus
The Stranger by Albert Camus is one of the most widely read existential novels ever written. The story follows Meursault, a detached man who struggles to connect with society’s expectations after committing a shocking act.
Camus explores themes of absurdity, alienation, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe.
Why this book matters
- Introduces the philosophy of absurdism
- Explores emotional detachment and meaninglessness
- Challenges traditional moral expectations
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
2. Nausea book by Jean-Paul Sartre
Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre is considered one of the foundational existentialist novels. Through the experiences of Antoine Roquentin, Sartre examines the unsettling realization that existence itself may have no inherent meaning.
The novel captures existential anxiety with remarkable psychological depth.
Why this book matters
- Explores existential freedom and isolation
- Introduces core existentialist ideas through fiction
- Examines the discomfort of human existence
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
3. The Myth of Sisyphus book by Albert Camus
The Myth of Sisyphus is one of the most important philosophical works on existentialism and absurdism. Camus asks whether life can still have meaning in a universe without clear purpose.
Using the Greek myth of Sisyphus, he argues that humans must create meaning despite life’s apparent absurdity.
Why this book matters
- Explains absurdist philosophy clearly
- Explores meaning, suffering, and rebellion
- One of the most influential philosophy books ever written
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
4. Man’s Search for Meaning book by Viktor E. Frankl
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl combines psychology, philosophy, and memoir to explore how humans find purpose even in suffering.
Drawing from his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, Frankl argues that meaning—not pleasure or power—is humanity’s deepest need.
Why this book matters
- Explores purpose during suffering
- Blends existential philosophy with psychology
- Offers practical wisdom for everyday life
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
5. Notes from Underground book by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky is often considered a precursor to existentialist literature. The unnamed narrator wrestles with self-hatred, free will, and society’s expectations.
The novel remains deeply relevant for modern readers confronting identity and alienation.
Why this book matters
- Explores psychological conflict and self-awareness
- Questions rationalism and societal progress
- Influenced later existentialist thinkers
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
6. Being and Nothingness book by Jean-Paul Sartre
Being and Nothingness is one of the most important existential philosophy books ever written. Sartre examines consciousness, freedom, identity, and personal responsibility in extraordinary depth.
Though challenging, it remains essential for serious readers of existentialism.
Why this book matters
- Introduces core existentialist philosophy
- Explores freedom and human responsibility
- Influenced modern philosophy and psychology
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
7. Thus Spoke Zarathustra book by Friedrich Nietzsche
Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche explores themes of individuality, morality, self-overcoming, and meaning.
Nietzsche’s ideas strongly influenced existentialist philosophy and continue to shape modern thought.
Why this book matters
- Challenges conventional morality
- Explores self-creation and personal freedom
- One of philosophy’s most influential books
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
8. The Trial book by Franz Kafka
The Trial by Franz Kafka tells the story of a man arrested and prosecuted without ever learning his crime.
Kafka’s surreal exploration of bureaucracy, guilt, and powerlessness reflects many existential concerns about modern society.
Why this book matters
- Explores alienation and anxiety
- Examines powerless individuals within systems
- Deeply influential in existential literature
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
9. Fear and Trembling book by Søren Kierkegaard
Fear and Trembling by Søren Kierkegaard explores faith, ethics, and individual responsibility through the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac.
Kierkegaard is widely considered the father of existentialism.
Why this book matters
- Explores faith and personal choice
- Examines anxiety and ethical conflict
- Influenced modern existential philosophy
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
10. The Unbearable Lightness of Being book by Milan Kundera
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera blends philosophy and fiction to explore love, identity, politics, and the meaning of existence.
The novel reflects on whether life’s temporary nature gives it beauty—or emptiness.
Why this book matters
- Explores love, freedom, and identity
- Combines philosophy with emotional storytelling
- One of the most accessible existential novels
👉 Available at Readers’ Republik.
Where to Buy Existentialism Books in Kenya
If you are looking to buy existential philosophy books in Kenya, you can find these titles and many more at Readers’ Republik, an online bookstore serving readers across Nairobi and the rest of the country.
Readers’ Republik offers a carefully curated selection of books in:
with delivery available across Nairobi and Kenya.
Readers’ Republik Take
Existentialist books challenge readers to think deeply about freedom, identity, meaning, suffering, and what it truly means to live authentically. Some are philosophical, others deeply emotional, but all of them encourage self-reflection and critical thinking.
For readers in Kenya exploring philosophy and literature, these books offer timeless insights that remain relevant in modern life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best existentialist books for beginners?
Some of the best beginner-friendly existentialist books include The Stranger, Man's Search for Meaning, and The Unbearable Lightness of Being because they introduce existential themes through accessible storytelling.
Which existentialist philosopher should I start with?
Many readers begin with Albert Camus or Jean-Paul Sartre because their ideas are widely discussed and easier to approach through novels and essays.
Where can I buy philosophy books in Kenya?
You can buy existentialism and philosophy books online at Readers’ Republik, with delivery available across Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.
Why are existentialist books still popular today?
Existentialist books remain popular because they explore timeless human questions about meaning, freedom, anxiety, identity, and purpose in an increasingly uncertain world.