Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 67 votes)
5 stars
26(39%)
4 stars
24(36%)
3 stars
17(25%)
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67 reviews
July 15,2025
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Typhoon and The Secret Sharer are the best stories in this collection.

Typhoon is a thrilling tale that takes readers on a wild ride through a powerful storm at sea. The vivid descriptions of the typhoon's fury and the sailors' struggle to survive create a sense of紧张 and excitement.

The Secret Sharer, on the other hand, is a more psychological story that delves into the mind of the captain. His encounter with a mysterious stranger forces him to confront his own fears and desires, leading to a profound exploration of the human psyche.

Together, these two stories offer a diverse range of themes and emotions, making them stand out as the highlights of the collection. Whether you're a fan of adventure or psychological drama, Typhoon and The Secret Sharer are sure to captivate and engage you.
July 15,2025
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On March 10, 2018, the short story "Typhoon" was given a mention in a 5 Best Saturday Review in the WSJ.

This is quite an achievement for the author. The story seems to have caught the attention of the reviewers, which is likely to generate more interest in it.

For those who are interested in reading it, there is good news. This particular book edition is available for Kindle at a very affordable price of just $1.

With the popularity of e-readers like the Kindle, it has become even more convenient for readers to access a wide variety of literature.

Whether you are a fan of short stories or simply looking for a new read, "Typhoon" could be a great choice.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to discover a new story and add it to your Kindle library.

July 15,2025
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A library book about typhoons really intrigued me. It made me think of the movie "The Perfect Storm". The descriptions in the book were filled with lots of sea talk, which might seem overwhelming at first. However, as I delved deeper, I found it to be truly engrossing. The author's detailed accounts of the power and fury of typhoons, along with the experiences of those who have witnessed them, painted a vivid picture in my mind. I could almost feel the wind and waves as I read. It was not just a book about a natural phenomenon, but also a story of human courage and survival in the face of extreme conditions. I highly recommend this library book to anyone interested in the sea or natural disasters.

July 15,2025
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If you have a penchant for Conrad, particularly his masterpieces Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim, then this is an absolute must-read for you. Conrad has a remarkable ability to craft captivating sea stories that draw you in and keep you hooked from start to finish.

Among these tales, Falk holds a special place in my heart. It is a story that combines elements of adventure, mystery, and human nature in a truly unique way. The characters are vividly portrayed, and the setting of the sea adds an extra layer of drama and excitement.

Conrad's writing style is both beautiful and profound, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the story and understand the complex emotions and motivations of the characters. Whether you are a die-hard Conrad fan or simply looking for a great read, Falk and these other sea stories are sure to satisfy. So, pick up a copy and let Conrad take you on a thrilling journey across the high seas.

July 15,2025
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I must say that I found this novel to be extremely boring. To be completely honest, it was a real letdown.

Moreover, I was deeply offended by its descriptions of Chinese people. The way they were portrayed was inaccurate and unfair.

After this experience, I have no intention of reading anything by Conrad in the near future. It has really put me off his works.

I expected more from a well-known author like him. It's a shame that such a talented writer could produce something so offensive.

I hope that in the future, authors will be more careful and respectful when writing about different cultures and ethnic groups.

We should all strive to promote understanding and acceptance, not division and disrespect.

July 15,2025
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Joseph Conrad never fails to astonish me. No matter what I have read most recently, it always appears to be the finest among all. This book manages to reach that remarkable status through several short trips.

Albert Guerard, the editor, appropriately deems the third chapter of The Nigger of the Narcissus, which details the storm around the Cape of Good Hope, as "one of the summits of English prose." However, I was more deeply impressed by the first and last chapters. They vividly capture the eerie transition of the ship and its crew from their life on land to their state at sea and back again. As the Narcissus enters the English channel, Conrad writes: "The dark land lay alone in the midst of waters, like a mighty ship bestarred with vigilant lights -- a ship carrying the burden of millions of lives -- a ship freighted with dross and with jewels, with gold and with steel. She towered up immense and strong, guarding priceless traditions and untold suffering, sheltering glorious memories and base forgetfulness, ignoble virtues and splendid transgressions." (p. 136)

The selections are chosen to highlight adventure and action, yet all display excellent writing and profound human insight. "An Outpost of Progress" was my least favored, but it was still compelling: "A man may destroy everything within himself, love and hate and belief and even doubt; but as long as he clings to life, he cannot destroy fear..." (p. 198)

With the exception of "Amy Foster," the stories strongly emphasize career, which is rather uncommon in literary fiction. They are also filled with reflections on men at work. This is from "Youth: a Narrative" told by Marlowe: "That crew of Liverpool hard cases had in them the right stuff. It's my experience they always have. It is the sea that gives it -- the vastness, the loneliness surrounding their dark stolid souls." (p. 235)
July 15,2025
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This book, Conrad in general, offers a truly captivating perspective that sets it apart.

Most individuals, myself included, have little familiarity with the sea. However, Conrad vividly portrays life on ships, allowing us to catch a glimpse of this foreign world.

Likewise, most of us are deeply uncomfortable with racial prejudice, and I am no exception. Conrad, though, presents it to us with remarkable clarity and without apology.

He reveals a different world that, despite being only a century old, seems incredibly distant. On one hand, the sea remains unchanged. Its immense power may not always be visible "on the surface," but it undeniably exists.

On the other hand, racial animosity and the challenges we face in relating one group to another have not evolved as significantly as we might hope. This force is potent, and even if it is not immediately apparent, it is likely lurking just beneath the surface.

The world is充斥着 powerful forces, and we moderns are not their masters. We must recognize and understand these forces to navigate the complex waters of our society.
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