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Joseph Conrad

The Secret Agent

Joseph ConradFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1907

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Book Brief

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Joseph Conrad

The Secret Agent

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1907
Book Details
Pages

442

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1880s

Publication Year

1907

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad follows Adolf Verloc, a secret agent in 1886 London, who is forced by his employer to orchestrate a bombing at the Greenwich Observatory to prove his worth. Verloc's involvement with anarchists and the police, coupled with using his wife's brother as a pawn, leads to disastrous and tragic consequences for his family. The plot incorporates elements of espionage, familial strife, and satire.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.8

23,599 ratings

55%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent is lauded for its intricate narrative and psychological depth, offering a compelling critique of anarchism and espionage. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the prose dense. While the novel's dark themes and complex characters are admired, these elements may not appeal to all audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret Agent?

Readers who relish delving into political intrigue and psychological depth will appreciate Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent. Fans of Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment or Orwell's 1984 will find the novel’s exploration of anarchism, espionage, and moral ambiguity compelling. Ideal for those who enjoy dense, thought-provoking narratives.

3.8

23,599 ratings

55%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

442

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London • 1880s

Publication Year

1907

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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