I was filled with excitement as I said: "I have never heard that entomology could say such a masterpiece! And what about humans?"

With a sad look in his eyes, he said to the glass box: "Humans are amazing but not a masterpiece. Maybe the Creator was a bit crazy, huh? What do you think? Sometimes it seems to me that humans have come to a place where they didn't want to be, where there is no place for them. If not, what is the point of wanting all the space?"

As he was speaking, I burst into tears and said: "And catching the firefly."

Lord Jim

Translator: Khaled Hosseini

Joseph Conrad

The Nigger of the Narcissus - The Black Man of the Narcissus 4.5

Youth ⭐⭐⭐⭐

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Rescue - To Read

Heart of Darkness - To Read

Conrad's novels are truly magnificent. His works are a treasure trove of literary excellence, filled with vivid descriptions, complex characters, and profound themes.

However, it is a pity that more people do not seem to be aware of the genius of Conrad. His novels offer a unique perspective on life, exploring the human condition in all its glory and flaws.

By reading Conrad, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. His writing style is both beautiful and engaging, drawing the reader in and keeping them hooked until the very end.

So, if you are looking for a great read, I highly recommend that you pick up a Conrad novel. You will not be disappointed.

This is one of the densest and most difficult novels I've ever read!

It's truly a challenge to get through. But, much like the tropical seas that Conrad and his characters spent so much time in, even the most impregnable parts of this novel draw me further in.

Despite not entirely understanding what I'm seeing, there's something about it that keeps pulling me. The mystery and exoticism of it all is very intoxicating.

It's like a hidden treasure chest that I'm determined to unlock. That said, I'm not gonna read Conrad again for a while lol. I need some time to process and digest this intense reading experience before I can take on another of his works.

Ponderous and difficult to follow, but still a beautiful piece of work.

When I say "difficult to follow," I mean that in Lord Jim, Conrad didn't always strike a perfect balance between action and exposition. There were extensive sections dedicated to backstory or the tiniest details of the characters. Indeed, character is the foundation of this work, where a man immerses himself deeper and deeper into a somewhat manageable backwoods domain to flee from his own shortcomings on the grander stage of civilization. So, it's not easy to criticize Conrad on this aspect.

The "show, don't tell" principle for writers is perhaps more emphasized today than in his era. Therefore, my complaint is somewhat one-sided as I'm looking at the book from the perspective of a modern reader. Although I have such a great love for philosophy that I even considered majoring in it in college, personally, I prefer to read works that have a sense of movement. Yes, do present me with inner conflicts, philosophical musings, moralizing, and the like, but I would rather they were integrated into the action, just like a pill hidden in the dog's food to make the animal eat it. This animal will swallow almost anything if it's wrapped in a delicious exterior. After all, I'm only human.

This is my third reading of "Lord Jim" at intervals of roughly 15 years. Each time, it reveals new depths and nuances, remaining a work that demands to be read slowly and carefully, much like savoring a fine cigar or a cognac. Those who approach it hastily, like a cigarette and a beer, are likely to find themselves choking and throwing up.

"Lord Jim" is truly a unique novel. It combines elements of an adventure tale, a narrative of moral redemption, and a modernist exploration of the very nature of storytelling. The readers' guide is Captain Charles Marlow, a complex figure known to Conrad admirers and many high school students from "Change" and "Heart of Darkness." He describes himself as "doomed to be the recipient of confidences; and to be confronted with unanswerable questions." Yet, there is also an omniscient narrator at times, who frames Marlow just as Marlow frames Jim. This leads the reader to wonder: Why is Marlowe relating this story? Is it Jim's story or Marlow's? It is also worth noting that Marlowe acquires most of the story secondhand, and much of the narrative is related third-hand. Every story hides within another, masking fact and truth behind a fine mist.

Despite the complex narrative techniques, there is magic in this novel that transcends the literary devices. The moment where Jewel and Jim first find love is among the most perfectly distilled scenes of romantic connection in all of literature. Conrad's characters, though far removed from our own world, are instantly recognizable in their emotions. Beyond characterization, Conrad has a profound and original insight into human nature.

Of course, Conrad is a romantic of sorts, but at his core, he is a fatalist. His novels are structured on human blindness, acquiescence, or resistance to destiny. A modern reader may question whether Jim's fate was inevitable or the product of his choices, but in Conrad's vision, this distinction seems fruitless.

"Lord Jim" consistently ranks among the twentieth century's "best" works of literature. My fear is that while the text remains brilliant, the audience for such works that require genuine effort continues to decline. Some reviews may make the text sound inscrutable, but nothing could be further from the truth. "Lord Jim" will reward readers who approach it with good will and patience.

Така и не успях съвсем да харесам стила на Конрад. Началото на романа е бавно, наситено с много обяснение и описания, които остават основен похват до самия край. Човешката психология е основното движещо средство за историята, докато сюжетът е по-настрани.

I must admit that I couldn't fully like Conrad's style. The beginning of the novel is slow, filled with a lot of explanations and descriptions that remain the main focus until the very end. Human psychology is the main driving force of the story, while the plot is rather on the side.

Признавам, че имаше определени моменти, в които написаното грабваше, замисляше, вълнуваше, но пък те обикновено бяха следвани от моменти на безконечни описания и ненужни, сякаш, обстоятелствени пояснения.

I admit that there were certain moments when the writing grabbed, made one think, and excited, but then they were usually followed by moments of endless descriptions and unnecessary, as if circumstantial explanations.

В послеслова на книгата, самият Конрад споделя, че именно това е било основната опорка на критиците в продължение на 10 - 15 години - обема. Смея да твърдя, че особено в днешно време, е смело да се очаква хората да проявят достатъчно търпение да изчетат романа, който е повече изследване на нравите, морала и човешката психология, отколкото напрегната приключенска история (която е повече в миманса).

In the afterword of the book, Conrad himself shares that this was precisely the main target of the critics for 10 - 15 years - the volume. I dare to state that especially in today's time, it is bold to expect people to show enough patience to read the novel, which is more of a study of manners, morality, and human psychology than the intense adventure story (which is more in the mimicry).

Having read this book, I find myself still attempting to grin more like its characters. They possess a unique romanticism of purpose and a sense of humbleness before it.

The book is firmly situated from the perspective of imperialist participation. It poses thought-provoking questions to its participants. Why do they embark on their travels? Why do they invest themselves with honor and the duty of their origin?

There is a significant amount of exploration into the difficult issues of dreams and the heart. The author delves deep into the inner workings of the characters' minds and emotions, uncovering the complex web of desires and conflicts that drive them.

Moreover, the end of the book is truly awesome. It brings all the storylines and character arcs to a satisfying conclusion, leaving the reader with a sense of fulfillment and a newfound understanding of the themes explored throughout the narrative.

Overall, this book is a captivating read that offers valuable insights into the human condition and the consequences of imperialist actions.

This is one of those novels that may take a bit more time to read. Now, there is no sense in talking about how long it will take you to read this one because that is very individual. As well as that infamous 'difficulty' factor, it is something that is bound to differ from person to person.

It took me some time to read this one, but I MUST say it is one of those books that is certainly worth the effort. You know that feeling when you have read some amazing book and even though it may have taken you some/a lot/considerable amount of time to read it, you end up really happy with what you did with your time.

Well, I think that what makes this read so 'time-consuming' to some (not all readers seem to share this view but some have complained about the reading process) is its sophisticated narrative. However, this novel wouldn't be a masterpiece that it is without it, so let's not make this complex narrative sound like a flaw in the writing while in fact it is one of its strongest posts.

I'm certainly happy that I devoted my time to it and I enjoyed every second of reading this novel. In fact, I plan to reread it these days.

Let's get back on the track, shall we? The best way to start is from the beginning. The very first paragraph focuses on the protagonist of the novel, young Jim. Right from the start, we get this vivid image of him. I think it can be maintained that he is described in detail even at the start.

Obviously, there is only as much as can be done to introduce a character that develops mostly during the course of the novel. Jim is quite young when the novel starts. Still, it is remarkable how at the very start (with a limited amount of words) we as readers get introduced with various aspects of both Jim's outer and inner self. Naturally, with a writer as skilled as Conrad, this shouldn't be a surprise.

The character of Jim, so central for this novel, is examined so many times in this novel and the writer does this in a way that manages to be both complex and simple at the same time. The opening chapter (and much of what follows) is full of wonderful descriptions and the kind of lyrical prose that I immensely enjoy.

I particularly liked the descriptions of the sea. Conrad is a true master when it comes to that and you can tell that right from the start. Similarly to The Heart of Darkness, the story (for most part) is told by a narrator named Marlow.

Unlike the famous novelette, the narrative in "Lord Jim" is not chronological. Moreover, it's sometimes told from different points of view and it sure can be a bit confusing. There is a large number of ever present digressions. Even once the story (the plot) really starts, new characters are introduced over and over again.

In addition to that, there are so many things going on that at some point you'll probably feel a bit lost. I know I did. In addition, there are long pages where nothing goes on besides philosophical meditations. In that way it could be said that the novel is a bit odd.

Nevertheless, I really liked it. Once I really got into it I found it to be a brilliant piece of writing.

Lord Jim as a character remained somewhat of an enigma for me. Although I must say the way that novel is written (and by that I mean its sophisticated narrative) really enables the reader to get into psychology and inner states of Jim.

This is one character that is portrayed from different angles and that casts very different shadows. Despite of that or maybe because of that I found him to retain much of the mystery that seems another of his remarkable features.

This mystery surrounds him like a fine mist from the start to the end of the novel. I know what I said about him being introducted with skillful words (at the very start of the novel) and all about how it just get better (yes, I know that I have added how he is mastefully potrayed) but that doesn't mean that I feel like I have him completely figured out.

However, that makes him even more fascinating.

Now, another thing this novel has in common with the famous novelette (short novel) that I happened to mention earlier is its question of Western influences/politics on the other parts of the world. This book can be divided in two parts and the second part of the book happens in an imaginary land (an island).

I must admit that I did not really pay much attention to theme of colonialism while I was reading this novel, although there are references to it. I was probably too occupied with the personality of Jim and the theme of guilt and redemption to think about anything else.

Maybe that theme is not as central in this one, I'm not sure, but so it seemed. Lord Jim seems more focused on the individual guilt (rather than that of the Emire and the colonial world).

I avoided talking about events in the novels, the plot and the characters because I didn't want to have any spoilers in this review. If you're looking for a summary of this book, you'll have no problem finding it online.

What I tried is to give you an idea what the novel is like. I must, however, mentioned some other characters. First of all, the narrator of the story (Marlow the same narrator as the one in the heart of darkness).

In this novel, he is not only a narrator but also an active participant in events and an important character in the novel. I think the way the writer uses him both as a narrator and as a character is simply brilliant.

Secondly, I will mention Jim's love interest because I found her to be a very interesting character. Finally, that butterfly collector is such a well drawn character.

He had some really interesting thoughts and it made the transition in the story (when Jim is sort of at crossroads) somehow more credible and at the same time more philosophical-like the character of Jim( and what happens to him) could be a metaphor for some deep questions in the human soul.

In fact, some of those passages were hauntingly beautiful. They alone would make this novel worth reading. To conculde, this novel is poignant with meaning and filled with deep thoughts. It is complex, bit it is absolutely beautiful in its complexity.

Since antiquity, seafaring has been shrouded in a veil of mystery. From the epic adventures of The Odyssey to the thrilling saga of Moby-Dick or, the Whale, the perils and wonders of the sea, the unknown distant shores, and the bountiful climes have captured the human imagination.

A seafaring novel like Lord Jim is not only an assemblage of diverse and colorful characters but also a profound psychological exploration of personal drama.

Jim, at the start, was a promising mariner with a bright future ahead. However, a momentary weakness of will, a brief spell of panic, and a subconscious desire to follow the crowd shattered his confidence and destroyed his lofty ideals.

The public inquiry, his guilty conscience, and the psychological burden of his actions placed a curse upon him, causing him to flee from the world and from himself.

Nevertheless, Jim managed to find a questionable haven. There, he even attained a precarious position of power and was bestowed with an ambiguous form of glory. And finally, he was granted love. But even his love was somewhat ambiguous.

The majority of human destinies unfold in a straightforward manner, like straight lines. However, some fates are like impassable labyrinths, filled with twists, turns, and uncertainties.

Finally, I have an answer to my question "what novel contains the phrase a sinister pantaloon?".

Objectively speaking, this read didn't bring me much enjoyment. However, also objectively, I do appreciate the unique position of this book. It stands on the cusp of the transition from 19th-century adventure writing to 20th-century modernism. The story is told by an omniscient narrator, who describes how first mate Jim abandons his ship filled with Muslim pilgrims. Then, Conrad introduces his favorite narrator, Marlow, who takes over the story of the rest of Jim's life, his self-imposed exile. I didn't know that Conrad was friends with Ford Madox Ford. But as I was reading, I couldn't help but think of the way Ford constructs his narratives and shifts the points of view. It's interesting to see the possible influence or connection between the two authors.

This book may not have been a favorite of mine, but it does offer some insights into the evolution of literature and the different narrative techniques used by various authors.

As with Conrad's first novel, Almayer's Folly, Lord Jim presents yet another wandering soul who is adrift in his own society. In fact, he is driven out of it and left to forge an entirely new world among the Malays and Bugis in the remote village of Patusan. Jim's psyche is shattered beyond repair. The weakness he displayed in his early downfall resurfaces to destroy him just when he has seemingly put his life back on track.

This psychological exploration is mainly told through the narration of Marlow, a merchant captain who befriends Jim after his honor is irrevocably damaged at a court of inquiry. However, Marlow is not the only character to offer the reader insights into Jim. There are multiple perspectives. At one point, there is even an unseen narrator who reflects on Marlow's reflections.

Written at the dawn of the twentieth century, Jim's story is a crucial one for a century of Western protagonists who were educated to be Romantics but were conditioned by skepticism and cynicism to anticipate the worst possible outcomes. Jim's fate, with his psychological growth arrested and dashed at the very moment of apparent success, became the story of many would-be adventurers who ultimately found despair and isolation rather than love and acceptance.

It has been over a week and a half since I last finished a book. This is truly an extremely unusual situation for me. I'm making an effort not to hold it against the collection of books I've been reading during that week and a half, but at times, it's really hard. I find myself eyeing Ulysses with suspicion, poking The Reality Dysfunction every once in a while to check if it has moved, or tucking The Idiot into my purse in an attempt to get through just a little more. (Does anyone else think it's odd that a 600+-page Dostoyevsky book is the only one that will fit in my purse?)

And Lord Jim, which I've also had in progress for most of that time. It is the first of the bunch that I actually managed to finish.

Note: The rest of this review has been withdrawn due to the recent changes in Goodreads policy and enforcement. You can read why I came to this decision here.

In the meantime, you can read the entire review at Smorgasbook.

It's strange how this slump has affected my reading habits. I usually breeze through books, but now I'm struggling to focus and complete them. I hope this is just a temporary phase and that I can get back to my normal reading pace soon.