It might be the least favorite among all the (quite a number of) fairy tales and novels of J.C. that I have read. I think that the second half, when the plot is transferred to the sea, is the best narrated part of the book. On the contrary, the first half, despite the fine satirical commentary of C., drags and bores in the overly complicated description of the psychological background of the heroes.

Perhaps it lacks the charm and excitement that I expected from J.C.'s works. The first half seems to be too focused on setting up the stage and explaining the characters' inner worlds, which makes it a bit tiresome to read. However, the second half makes up for it with its engaging plot and vivid descriptions of the sea adventures. It's as if the story comes alive when it reaches the ocean.

Overall, while this particular work may not be my top pick, it still showcases some of J.C.'s writing skills. The satirical elements in the first half add a touch of humor, and the detailed descriptions in the second half paint a vivid picture in the reader's mind. I would still recommend it to those who are interested in J.C.'s works or in stories that involve both psychological exploration and adventure.

My favorite Conrad book so far

Okay, I have to admit that I've only delved into two of Conrad's works so far, namely Heart of Darkness and Nostromo. Both of these books have earned a solid 4 out of 5 from me, which means they are very good indeed. However, after reading Chance, I am now in complete agreement that Conrad is truly one of the greatest writers in the English language. The way he weaves his stories, the depth of his characters, and the vividness of his descriptions are simply remarkable. It's as if he has the power to transport the reader into a completely different world. I can't believe I waited so long to pick up my next Conrad book. From now on, I will be sure to explore more of his works without hesitation. I'm excited to see what other literary treasures he has in store for me.

Apparently, this was Conrad's best selling book in his lifetime (at least in regards to first run), but is one of his lesser-known novels today.

The healthy sales may have been partly due to the focus on a female character and the fact that it was heavily promoted in American women's magazines of the day. Moreover, the writing style is also a little more accessible than much of the author's other work.

However, the narrative strategy is by no means simpler. Like 'Heart of Darkness' and 'Lord Jim', it's narrated by 'Marlow'. But in this case, Conrad also employs a second narrator. As Marlow is often repeating what others have told him, this frequently makes it a narrative within a narrative within a narrative. And, of course, Marlow talks for an implausible amount of time and somehow has access to a level of detail which would be impossible for a third party.

None of this really matters as Conrad is such a good writer. But 'Chance' did strike me as, at heart, a rather simple, gossipy story stretched out to an inordinate length and with an ending which descends into hokey melodrama of a type I never thought I'd see in Conrad. I enjoyed the journey and there's a lot of fine writing along the way. But for me, this is not top-flight Conrad and it's easy to see why it's not considered to be among his best work.

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Although I’m a Conrad fan, I found the book difficult to read.

My problem, I think, arose from the fact that most of the action could be described as claustrophobic and unpleasant, some downright nasty.

After having finished it and looking back, I think it was necessary to the story.

It is a story of some people who, by maintaining their integrity, despite their illusions and in baffling and ugly circumstances, stumble into their heart’s desire.

The good needed the bad.

This contrast between the good and the bad is what makes the story so powerful.

The characters are forced to confront the darkness within themselves and in the world around them.

They must make difficult choices and face the consequences of their actions.

Despite the unpleasantness, the story also has moments of beauty and hope.

The characters’ struggles and triumphs remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a challenging and thought-provoking read.

"Good intentions stand in their own way so much."

This profound statement by Joseph Conrad holds a great deal of truth.

Often, people have the best of intentions, but these very intentions can sometimes lead them astray.

We may think we are doing the right thing, but in reality, our actions may have unintended consequences.

For example, we might try to help someone by doing everything for them, but this could actually prevent them from learning and growing on their own.

Or, we might have good intentions in a relationship, but our attempts to show love and care could come across as overbearing or controlling.

It is important to be aware of how our good intentions can sometimes get in the way and to think carefully about the best way to act.

We need to consider the potential consequences of our actions and be willing to adjust our approach if necessary.

By doing so, we can ensure that our good intentions lead to positive outcomes and not cause more harm than good.

The story of Flora de Barrel is truly a great read.

It offers a profound exploration of the human condition, and Conrad's insights about humanity are simply without equal.

His ability to delve into the depths of human nature, to expose the hidden motives and desires that drive our actions, is truly remarkable.

As we follow Flora's journey, we are confronted with the harsh realities of life, the struggles and sacrifices that we all must make.

But through it all, Conrad shows us that there is still hope, that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit can prevail.

The story of Flora de Barrel is not just a tale of adventure and romance, but a powerful meditation on the meaning of life and the nature of love.

It is a book that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page, and one that you will want to read again and again.

A very dull book with rather uninteresting subject matter.

The only aspect that I found even remotely interesting about this book was the way it delved deep into the psychology of even the most minuscule of a character's movement.

I decided to read this book solely because the blurb on the cover stated that it focused on 'Conrad's most moving female character'. This really intrigued me, as I had read a couple of his prior books and they were unfortunately full of sexist remarks. Of course, it's understandable that these were a product of the time in which they were written.

However, much to my disappointment, the book did not live up to this statement at all. It failed to present a truly moving female character or develop her in a way that would have made the reading experience worthwhile.

Overall, I was left feeling rather let down by this book and would not recommend it to others.

Some people firmly believe in the existence of guardian angels, while others put their faith in luck or chance. No matter what one chooses to call it, Flora is in desperate need of some form of assistance. It's not as if she is completely crazy, although there are indeed moments when her actions make people question her sanity. She is suicidal, detached emotionally, and constantly in pain. As a result, she is not an easy person to like.

However, in the end, it turns out that she is her own source of strength. She is tough and finally able to pull herself up by her bootstraps and help herself. This is no Cinderella story where a magical being comes to the rescue.

Bravo Conrad! Your female protagonist truly breaks the mold. She defies expectations and shows that even in the darkest of times, one can find the inner strength to overcome their demons and emerge victorious. It's a powerful and inspiring message that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading the story.

This was an uneven effort.

On one hand, it earns five stars for the remarkable complexity of its narrative structure. The differences between the "I" narrator, Marlow, and the portions related by Fyne, Powell, and other sources add depth and intrigue. I found great pleasure in piecing together the various strands of time, as it created a rich and multi-layered tapestry. Additionally, the portrayal of the fraudster and his fraud was fascinating. The lack of intelligence involved in both creating the fraud and then investing the proceeds, as well as the resulting lack of self-knowledge, was striking. It is so similar to the fraudsters of our day, such as Madoff, Ebbers, and the Enron crowd.

On the other hand, less impressive were the odd and impenetrable views on the character of women. Whether these views were intended as Conrad's own or as "only" Marlow's, they failed to penetrate into the mind of a woman. The insights seemed shallow and one-sided.

Nevertheless, even middling Conrad is still very good. His writing style and ability to create a vivid and engaging world are undeniable. Despite its flaws, this work offers much to appreciate and思考.

I was a great fan of Conrad in my youth. His works always had a profound impact on me. Among all his novels, this one is my personal favourite. It tells a story that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The characters are vividly portrayed, and their emotions and struggles are palpable. Conrad's writing style is unique, with his use of rich language and detailed descriptions. Reading this novel is like embarking on a journey through a complex and mysterious world. It makes me reflect on various aspects of life, such as human nature, morality, and the meaning of existence. Even after all these years, this novel still holds a special place in my heart.

It is a timeless classic that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves literature.

This is an absorbing yet quite difficult read.

The style of third-hand reportage it adopts is unusual and tricky. However, on the whole, it works.

There is a wealth of detailed psychological observation, along with a great deal of intricate information regarding nautical matters and other details of life in England during that distant era before World War One.

Conrad speculates about female psychology in a thoughtful yet rather dated manner. He is also rather tortuously indirect and opaque when it comes to sexual issues.

There is a resemblance to Henry James's writing, although perhaps Conrad is more of a natural storyteller.

The narrative remains strong and sustained throughout. The strength of the writing overcomes the sometimes mannered modes of expression of their time.

This is a serious book, but it is leavened with subtle humour and irony. It is not quite perfect, maybe a bit too long, but it is still a very impressive novel.

Overall, it offers a unique and engaging reading experience that challenges the reader while also providing deep insights into the human psyche and the historical context.