2.5

If it wasn’t for school, I never would’ve picked up this book. We only had to read “Heart of Darkness,” but oh lord. Although the story could be somewhat interesting, and the figurative writing or symbolism or whatever was good at times, the wriTING IS SO DENSE. I think it can be agreed that I don’t want to reread a page three times just to understand what is happening. Thank you to my english teacher for explaining it really well though, bless her.

As I read through this book, it was hard to follow parts if the story because of the diction the author used.However, as I progressed, being able to comprehend the message that the author was trying to get to the audience became easier because I became familiar with the author's diction. The background given at the beginning of the book helped me during the duration of the book, such as where the adventure took place and how it progressed. I believe that this book could be suitable for all audiences that can successfully comprehend the material or that are interested in stories that are relatable to this adventure story. The tone that the author used seemed to change throughout the progression of the book from a neutral or happy feeling to almost a somber feel during the last few pages of the book. I would recommend this book to anyone willing to challenge themselves with an interesting plot but difficult diction.

Heart of Darkness of course is a recognized classic, albeit with some controversy, but Secret Sharer should be recognized as one of the most beautiful,disturbing, and ambiguous tales of the doppleganger; a great story!

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, is the story of Marlow, a steamship captain who is looking to trade and colonize in Africa along the Congo River. He learns about the different trials that can happen to a steamer, and meets a man whom he thought would be his hero, but along the way, his ideals may have changed. Frankly, this book bored the living daylights out of me. I couldn't stay focused for anything, and the storyline was nonexsistant. The only thing that gives this book a two is the well-written imagery. And, I had intended to read The Secret Sharer, but considering it was about the same ideas as Heart of Darkness, I opted out.