It is true that the classic (and sometimes pompous) descriptions have tired us at times. And Marlowe's outdated (bordering on misogynistic) views have alienated us in several places. However, this romantic story of two wounded and emotionally inept people exercises its own, special charm. Because every word is carefully crafted and well-placed... because the characters are believable, with a psychological background and justifiable thoughts and reactions... because the wise escalation follows known paths but does it in such a way that it absorbs and captivates you.

And it answers very cleverly and with a fine irony the fundamental question: are we the playthings of Fate or do our choices determine the course of our lives? As a result, all these things raise it far above the average of the dry juxtaposition of bodies, genders, nationalities and differences that circulate so much... and it is finally rewarded.

This work is not my all-time favourite by Conrad, yet it remains truly brilliant. The story unfolds with a captivating narrative that draws the reader in from the very beginning. Conrad's masterful use of language creates vivid images and a palpable atmosphere. The characters are complex and well-developed, each with their own motives and flaws. The plot weaves together various elements, including mystery, adventure, and psychological depth. Despite not being my absolute favourite, it still showcases Conrad's remarkable talent as a writer. His ability to explore the human condition and the darker aspects of人性 is on full display. The story takes the reader on a journey through different settings and emotions, leaving a lasting impression. Overall, while it may not top my personal list of Conrad's works, it is still a highly recommended read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

If you're in search of an outstanding book, one that is both highly entertaining and deeply thought-provoking, written by an author whom you hold in high regard, yet perhaps you've been shying away from for various reasons, then this particular book is precisely what you need.

At the outset, it might seem as if it's just another somber "Marlow, tell us a story..." kind of narrative. However, there's no need to be concerned.

The majority of the action unfolds on land and centers around the endeavors of a young woman, Flora de Barral. She is striving to surmount her tragic and enervating childhood.

Her journey is filled with challenges and obstacles that she must confront head-on.

As the story progresses, we witness her growth and transformation, which makes for a truly engaging and captivating read.

This book has the power to draw you in and keep you hooked from beginning to end.

It offers a unique perspective on the human experience and explores themes such as resilience, hope, and the power of the human spirit.

So, if you're ready to embark on a literary adventure, this book is definitely worth a try.

Ranking second only to Heart of Darkness within the Conrad oeuvre, this particular work holds a special place for me. You know, it's truly remarkable. Conrad's ability to craft such vivid and thought-provoking stories is simply astonishing. This piece, although not as widely known as Heart of Darkness, still manages to captivate the reader with its unique charm and profound themes. The characters are well-developed, and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It delves into the human psyche, exploring the darker aspects of our nature and the consequences of our actions. Conrad's masterful use of language adds another layer of depth to the story, making it a pleasure to read. Overall, it's a work that I highly recommend to anyone interested in literature and the exploration of the human condition.

**Superb**

A master storyteller reveals the reason why he remains popular even after all these years. This is a psychological story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish. It is truly astonishing to consider that English was not Conrad's first language.

Conrad's ability to craft such engaging and captivating stories is a testament to his talent and skill. His use of language, despite it not being his native tongue, is remarkable. The way he weaves together complex characters and intricate plots is a delight to read.

Each sentence in his work is carefully constructed to draw the reader in and keep them hooked. The psychological depth of his characters adds another layer of interest, making the story not only exciting but also thought-provoking. Conrad's stories have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by readers around the world.

Superb

Fabulous, Fabulous Book

I had to exercise patience while reading this detailed and slowly unfolding novel. However, my patience was handsomely rewarded with a truly great love story. The author's meticulous attention to detail and the gradual development of the plot made it a captivating read. It was like slowly uncovering a hidden treasure.

Moreover, if you have the opportunity to sail on the Thames, you'll find an added bonus. As you glide along the river, you'll be able to recognize the creeks and the landscape described in the book. It creates a unique connection between the fictional world of the novel and the real world around you. It's a wonderful experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of the story.

This book is truly a gem. It combines a beautiful love story with a vivid and detailed setting. Whether you're a fan of romance or just looking for a good read, this book is sure to satisfy. I highly recommend it.

Chance presents a captivating narrative that delves into the lives of its characters with depth and complexity.

The anonymous narrator critiques Marlow's extreme expression of events, yet this self-awareness adds a layer of cleverness to the story.

The tale of Flora de Barral is one of a young woman whose life is upended when her father is imprisoned.

Shunted among various guardians, Flora feels worthless until she elopes with Captain Anthony.

Their relationship is fraught with uncertainty, as they struggle to communicate and understand each other's emotions.

The introduction of de Barral's attempt to poison Captain Anthony adds a further layer of drama and intrigue.

Despite the tragic events that follow, Flora finds happiness in her memories and may yet find further joy in the future.

Conrad's manner of narration, with its multiple levels and removes from the characters, allows for a detailed exploration of the story's psychological dimensions.

The complex structure forces the reader to question the importance of the story itself versus its manner of exposition.

Marlow's contributions, though sometimes melodramatic, add depth to the narrative and make Chance a thought-provoking and engaging read.

Overall, Chance is a testament to Conrad's skill as a storyteller and his ability to create a world that is both captivating and full of psychological insight.

Heart of Darkness is an important novel for Conrad as it achieved commercial success and established his reputation.

Narrated by Marlow, it is presented in rich and vivid prose, along with a complex narrative structure.

It is evident that Conrad did not simply "phone in" this work. Instead, it is a truly remarkable Conrad novel that delves into the psychological aspects of its characters and evokes deep emotions.

The story takes the reader on a journey into the heart of darkness, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

Conrad's masterful use of language and his ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mystery make this novel a captivating read.

It explores themes such as imperialism, morality, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, Heart of Darkness is a significant work that showcases Conrad's literary genius and continues to be studied and appreciated today.

Might want to name a child “Chance”

When it comes to choosing a name for a child, there are countless options to consider. One interesting and unique choice could be the name “Chance”. This name holds a certain charm and significance. It implies an element of unpredictability and the potential for good fortune. By naming a child “Chance”, parents may be hoping to bestow upon them a spirit of adventure and the ability to take advantage of opportunities that come their way. It can also symbolize a new beginning and the possibility of creating one's own destiny. Additionally, the name “Chance” has a modern and trendy feel to it, making it an appealing option for parents who are looking for something a little different. Whether it's because of its positive connotations or its contemporary sound, naming a child “Chance” could be a decision that brings joy and meaning to their lives.

"Blend with passion! What could be more seductive for the informed and crushed heart of a girl?"

"A young girl, you know, is like a temple. You pass by it and wonder what mysterious rituals take place inside, what prayers, what visions?"

As always, I read Conrad's novels with pleasure, emotion, and curiosity. Although I expect to find a world of the sea and ships described with splendor and melancholy, the images he creates always surprise me, being increasingly beautiful.

The Conradian hero, a romantic dreamer, solitary, brave, and noble, ready to love and die for a woman or an ideal, is so masculine and gentle at the same time.

In this novel, Conrad avoids the tragic ending in which the heroes we love so much, such as Peyrol, Heyst, or the famous Kurtz, met their end, and we have a happy ending. Also, another joy is the fact that we find here the beloved Captain Marlow from "Heart of Darkness" and "Lord Jim".

"Chance" was published in 1914, and Captain Marlow, along with two other sailors, is having a discussion about life at sea, about the officers they have met, the ships they have sailed on, and the events they have participated in. One of the three is the sailor Powell, who tells them how he got on his first ship, the Ferndale, when he was very young. Related to this ship, Marlow remembers that he knows an incident that centers around the captain of the ship, and thus we get to know the Fyne couple and the enchanting Miss Flora de Barral. She has an unhappy past because her father was accused of a swindle of the Caritas type called "Economy".

Marlow, while telling the story, makes a deep and detailed analysis of the characters of the protagonists, of the life situations they face, passing them through his emotional and rational filter and relating them to his own scale of values and principles. This analysis, so cold and almost technical, reminded me of Henry James.

Also, we get to know Marlow better here than in "Heart of Darkness", his portrait being completed. He is the hero that Conrad chose to spare and I believe he loved him as a character. Of course, we can observe his evolution, being probably marked by the incident in Africa where he lost Kurtz. Now we find him cynical, realistic, and without ideals.

Because I mentioned the author's narrative technique in my review of "Victory" and here it is very interesting to observe that we have three narrators: Powell, Marlow, and someone else in the first person, whom we assume is a sailor friend.

I would like to end this review with a reference to Powell as if he were a friend of the young people and the reply that follows this statement: "Then give me a Powell every day." In the same way, I would also say: "Then give me to read a Conrad every day."

I also annex some quotes full of wisdom and aphorisms that Marlow scatters generously throughout the book:

"In general, it is very difficult for someone to become remarkable. The world, you know, doesn't pay much attention to someone."

"Our characteristic is mediocrity. And maybe it's right to be like this because most of the time we can't be sure of the effect of our actions."

"Good intentions often stand in their own way. While when you want to do someone harm, you don't need to hesitate."

"Intelligence requires first of all prudence. I believe that prudence is the first duty of intelligence."

"... in the presence of a young girl, I am always convinced that sentimental dreams are invincible; that never, never is it reason that governs men and women."

"Remember, Miss de Barral, to be honest, you have to trust a man completely - or not at all."

In its era, this particular work was a remarkable success for Conrad, potentially owing to the inherently romantic essence of the story.

A young woman's father is incarcerated, leaving her at the mercy of the unpredictable whims of strangers. We come to know about her through a narrative that Marlow relates to the unnamed narrator. This narrative, in turn, was shared with Marlow by a Mr. Powell, who was acquainted with the young woman and her tragic story.

Just as is the case in every Conrad novel, we ultimately embark on a maritime adventure, and the conflict is resolved in a rather satisfying manner. However, I personally found the story to be long-winded and tiresome. Evidently, it was serialized, which perhaps led to Conrad engaging in a bit of page-padding, similar to what Dickens was often known to do.

Nevertheless, I have now completed reading all of Conrad's books. Hooray!

This was Conrad's first commercial success.

It is quite understandable as it closely approaches romance fiction. The story centers around Flora Debarral, the daughter of a discredited financier who has had to serve prison time for fraud.

Flora's character is complex and engaging, and her journey throughout the story is filled with challenges and emotions.

The narrative weaves a tale that is both captivating and touching.

I don't want to spoil for anyone the details of how Flora overcomes her circumstances and discovers love and meaning in her life.

So, I will desist here and encourage you to pick up the book and experience this wonderful story for yourself.

You will not be disappointed.