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Joseph Conrad

Lord Jim

Joseph ConradFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1900

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Book Brief

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Joseph Conrad

Lord Jim

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1900
Book Details
Pages

455

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Various locations, Southeast Asia • 19th Century

Publication Year

1900

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

Lord Jim follows Jim, a sailor who, after an incident with the ship Patna, flees to preserve his reputation. He eventually settles in Patusan, becoming entangled in local conflicts and rising to a position of power and respect. However, his past decisions and the resulting betrayals lead to his ultimate downfall. The narrative explores themes of idealism, authority, and the complexities of the British imperial enterprise. The novel contains outdated and offensive depictions and language regarding Indigenous peoples.

Mysterious

Melancholic

Contemplative

Adventurous

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

33,179 ratings

58%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Joseph Conrad's Lord Jim receives praise for its complex character development and rich, atmospheric prose, immersing readers in themes of guilt and redemption. However, some criticize the novel's dense, intricate narrative as challenging to follow. Overall, it is regarded as a profound, thought-provoking exploration of human nature within a maritime setting.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lord Jim?

A reader who enjoys Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad likely appreciates psychological complexity, themes of honor and redemption, and rich, descriptive prose. Comparable titles include Heart of Darkness by Conrad and Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, appealing to those interested in moral ambiguity and existential struggles.

3.9

33,179 ratings

58%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

455

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Various locations, Southeast Asia • 19th Century

Publication Year

1900

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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