53 pages 1 hour read

Joseph Conrad

Lord Jim

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1900

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Before You Read

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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 The novel contains outdated and offensive depictions and language regarding Indigenous peoples.

Reviews & Readership

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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.

RecommendedReading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

British Literature

Action / Adventure

Period

Modernism

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride

Emotions/Behavior: Regret

Identity: Race

Topics

History: World