Showing results by author "Joseph Conrad" in All Categories

An upper-middle class peasant inherits his father's farm, which he hopes to pass on to his children. When the twin boys are born, there is joy in the family until they realize that they are severely retarded - to use the term of the day, idiots. And then another son is born, also an idiot. In desperation, Jean Pierre joins the church, which he has no use for, and a daughter is born. Another idiot. Jean Pierre becomes even more angry and abusive to his wife, whom he blames for producing four idiots.

A collection of strange and often grisly tales by some of the world's greatest writers, ranging from mildly unsettling to hair-raising.

Dive into Chance, a captivating two-part tale of a damsel and a knight, where a woman relies on the kindness of strangers. Originally titled Dynamite, this story first graced the pages of the New York Herald in installments, becoming Joseph Conrads biggest commercial success by 1913, finally allowing him to resolve his financial struggles. The narrative reveals Conrads critical view of those who dwell on the land and introduces a fresh interpretation of enthusiastic. At its heart, this is a poignant love story—join us as we unravel the intricacies of this unforgettable journey. (Summary by ...

In Notes on Life and Letters, Conrad presents a captivating collection of twenty-six essays, which he described as a one-man show showcasing the multifaceted nature of his thoughts—literary, political, nostalgic, and often controversial, yet always grounded. His passionate critiques of Russian autocracy and reflections on Polands rich history and future aspirations resonate deeply. Conrad challenges the misguided notions surrounding the Titanic disaster, criticizing those who believe fewer lifeboats could have saved the day. Interspersed with these bold commentaries are tender reminiscences,...

In this gripping first installment of a trilogy by Conrad and Ford, an anonymous narrator teeters on the edge of exposure amidst a devastating breach of fiduciary trust and a looming financial scandal. As he pours his heart out in a series of poignant letters to his beloved, he grapples with despair and contemplates the unthinkable—suicide.

"Heart of Darkness" (1899) is a classic of world literature by Joseph Conrad. He acknowledged that "Heart of Darkness" was in part based on his own experiences during his travels in Africa. In 1890, at the age of 32, he was appointed to serve as the captain of a steamer on the Congo River by a Belgian trading company. The book tells a story about a voyage up the Congo River into the Congo Free State, in the heart of Africa.

London, 1886: Auf den ersten Blick führt Adolf Verloc ein beschauliches Leben. Gemeinsam mit seiner Familie wohnt er in den Hinterräumen seines kleinen Ladens in Soho. Doch der Schein trügt. Als Geheimagent liefert Verloc brisante Informationen aus den anarchistischen Kreisen, in denen er verkehrt, an eine ausländische Botschaft und plant in deren Auftrag schließlich sogar einen Bombenanschlag. Das Attentat misslingt und zieht eine Spirale aus Hass und Mord nach sich.

Lord Jim is a riveting story of courage and cowardice, self-knowledge and growth. This story follows the fortunes of Jim, first mate of a ship named Patna, which is abandoned along with the passengers. Jim suffers shame in court for "dereliction of duty". And in abandoning his responsibilities, Jim is always on the run from his past, which affects all his relationships. Only in a faraway culture and settlement - a small island in Malay Peninsula - does he find respect and marriage.

Mørkets hjerte bygger på Conrads opplevelser som kaptein på en elvebåt i Belgiske Kongo i 1890. I boken forteller hovedpersonen Marlow hvordan han reiser opp langs elven og inn i "mørkets hjerte" for å finne den utstasjonerte belgiske elfenbenjegeren Kurtz. Det viser seg at Kurtz fra et humant og edelt utgangspunkt har utviklet seg til en grådig materialist og despot som fritt hersker over de innfødte i området. I 1998 ble Mørkets hjerte rangert som nummer 67 av de hundre beste engelske romanene i det tjuende århundre av the Modern Library.”

Dive into the gripping world of The Secret Agent, where the lives of Adolf and Winnie Verloc unravel in the face of perilous choices. Adolf, a counterfeit anarchist and agent provocateur, finds himself cornered into orchestrating a devastating act of terrorism, leading to catastrophic repercussions for their family. This tale not only critiques early 20th Century anarchism but also casts a sharp eye on the machinations of police, intelligence agencies, the media, and the public. Summary by Cori Samuel.

In The Rescue, the thrilling third installment of Conrads novels featuring the daring Captain Tom Lingard, we delve into the heart of the Malayan archipelago. Inspired by the true story of William Lingard, a runaway scion from an English landed family, Tom Lingard is an audacious buccaneer on the cusp of a grand mission. After years of meticulous planning, he aims to restore a tribal prince and princess to their rightful throne with the aid of native allies. However, his noble ambitions are thwarted when a wealthy and arrogant Englishman inadvertently runs his pleasure yacht aground in the ...

Step into the whimsical world of Captain Hagberd, a quirky yet determined father who has spent years anxiously awaiting his son Harrys return from the sea. With dreams of inheritance and love, Captain Hagberd has meticulously prepared a home for Harry and envisioned a future where he marries the shy Bessie, his neighbor. But as the day draws near, will all his plans come to fruition? Note This outdoor recording captures the plays charm, complete with the sounds of nature and life around us. (Summary by TriciaG)

Le fleuve Congo, dans 'Au cœur des ténèbres', est bien plus qu'un simple cours d'eau ; il est une métaphore de l'inconscient humain, de l'obscurité qui sommeille en chacun de nous. En remontant ce fleuve sinueux, Marlow entreprend un voyage intérieur, une exploration des profondeurs de son âme. Au fur et à mesure qu'il avance, les repères de la civilisation s'effacent, laissant place à un monde primitif et sauvage.

Dive into a captivating collection of stories that spring from simple yet wryly bleak concepts. In Gaspar Ruiz, a South American general recounts a long tale about a notorious strongman, revealing the origins of his complex domestic life. The Informer pulls you deep into a web of political intrigue, cleverly navigating the murky waters of truth and deception. The Brute poses a chilling question can a ship truly embody malevolence? Meanwhile, An Anarchist introduces us to a troubled soul haunted by a vision of a malevolent society, unable to find peace. The Duel offers a more lighthearted ...

In Rover, we meet the weary and reflective Peyrol, an elderly ex-privateer who, burdened by his past, is compelled by an impulsive mix of scorn and magnanimity to embark on a dangerously audacious scheme. His goal? To deceive Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars. Set against the haunting backdrop of a politically motivated massacre in Toulon in 1793, this poignant tale explores the deep scars left on a small community and its inhabitants. Written towards the end of Conrads life, and shortly after the Great War—a conflict that ...

In this poignant tale by Joseph Conrad, we delve into the theme of alienation as a young foreign man washes ashore after a shipwreck off the coast of Kent, England. Shunned by most of the townsfolk, he finds solace in the unexpected kindness of Miss Foster—a loving, albeit simple-hearted woman. Join us as we explore the complexities of acceptance and the human spirit in this classic narrative. (Summary by BellonaTimes)

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, Point of Honor tells the gripping tale of two French Hussar officers, DHubert and Feraud. What begins as a minor dispute over honor spirals into a relentless and bitter rivalry that spans fifteen years. Initially, it is Feraud who fiercely defends his honor, relentlessly pursuing DHubert for a duel after their first encounter ends without resolution. However, as the years pass, DHubert finds himself ensnared in this escalating conflict, unable to retreat from the challenge. Inspired by the real-life duels of two Hussar officers named ...

Typhoon is a gripping short novel by Joseph Conrad, first begun in 1899 and later published in Pall Mall Magazine in 1902. This classic maritime tale follows Captain Macwhirr as he bravely navigates the Siamese steamer Nan-Shan into the heart of a ferocious typhoon. Among the crew are the youthful Jukes and Solomon, the steadfast head engineer. Conrad masterfully captures the essence of sea-faring life at the dawn of the 20th century. As Macwhirr grapples with emotional distance from his family and crew, his unwavering determination in the face of natures overwhelming power commands a ...

Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous wars of South American independence, Gaspar Ruiz tells the gripping tale of a former Spanish soldier caught in a storm of betrayal, intrigue, and identity. As he navigates the chaos of war, Gaspars journey unfolds through a labyrinth of political machinations and personal conflicts, challenging his loyalties and sense of self. Join him as he confronts the forces that seek to define him in a world on the brink of transformation. - Summary by kirk202

Conrad builds his story from the inside out, revealing a world of conspirators, police, fanatics, and bystanders whose inner lives are as explosive as any bomb they carry. Each figure—Mr. Verloc, torn between indolence and obligation; Winnie, holding a family together with quiet ferocity; the vulnerable Stevie; and the coldly obsessive Professor—is drawn with psychological depth that turns this political thriller into a devastating human drama.