Joseph Conrad Fans discussion

Anyone wants to discuss "Nostromo"? Just read it recently.

I wonder why do critics argue that it is 'one of the best books written in the English language in the twentieth century'. Sure, it covers many up-to-date aspects like capitalism, globalization, social unrest and military action, ambition, individualism v. community, torture and many more.

But in my opinion the greatest value of Conrad lies in his insight into the universal aspects of human condition and I think there are many Conrad pieces that deliver this much better (my favourites are 'Secret Sharer' and the infamously politically incorrect 'Nigger of the Narcissus').

If anyone new joins this group and read 'Nostromo' please make yourself at home and share your thoughts, despite the seeming inactivity of the "Joseph Conrad Fans".

Hey,"Nostromo" is the book I plan to read recently. Is it really as good as most critics recommend? I've only read "Heart of Darkness" and "Lord Jim" and I believe that there's a lot to be explored in Conrad's works.I don't know whether you've read "HD" and you like it or not. Maybe we can share our opinions on it.

Hey there, Vivien.

Most critics and hard-core literature fans like the book. In general, it is very unlike Conrad's previous books you mention. It has many layers that you could be able to explore if you don't just look at the surface. To me, the reading experience and difficulty level was like that of "Moby Dick".

As you say, there is a lot of Conrad to explore so I can tell you that my experience was to first read the best of his short stories and novels before the big book like 'Nostromo'.

I do like "HD". Recently I saw a nice youtube review of it, maybe you'd be interested: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbwDSy... .

Hey, Matthew,

I'm afraid youtube is not available in my country.In fact,recently I've been busy with my BA dissertation which concerns Conrad's ambivalence in "HD". So is it possible that you post the whole article for me here? I would appreciate that.

Wow, do you require me to sit down and write down all that is said in that video? I can try to post the key elements here, but you have to give me some time as I too am busy.

(edit) Ok, there is a transcript of this video on youtube so when I have time I can edit it.

Nostromo is certainly one of his best. It has a slow beginning and some say flawed ending but large sections of the book are quite brilliant. Personally I think under western eyes is overall his best book despite being less well known and is a better novel to start with.

Thx so much. U can take ur time.

I've read Nostromo three times. The first time time I felt very let down, but there was something about it that made me go back to it. The second time I was still unsatisfied but I had an even stronger feeling that I had to go back to it. The third attempt however was like reading a brand new book. Suddenly everything was fitting into place and the brilliance of the writing was able to shine through, because the greatness of Conrad is not just in what he writes about, but how he does it, and with what poetical prose.

Wow, Paul, thanks for your comments on Nostromo. I have been a Conrad fan for years, having read most of his shorter works, as well as Victory and The Secret Agent. Now I must read Nostromo. Thanks again.

Nostromo is my favorite Conrad novel, although I need to read Secret Agent and Western Eyes again. As everyone says, it's dense, difficult, confusing at times. Multiple readings are required to get all the flavor, but it is, to me, hypnotizing, mesmerizing and the characters... it's almost as if they know they're trapped in stasis, but are so wrapped up in their agony or ecstasy that the idea of breaking free of it never occurs to them. Martin Decoud is my personal favorite. His mental anguish in the lighter, in the midst of the bay with its infernal darkness, that's Conrad at his best. That poor guy, dying for no reason, guarding a load of silver everyone else has written off. Excellent. I do find the love interest rather forced, as a way of ending the book, but if not completing the circle, it at least completes the tragedy. No gets out of Sulaco with a smile on their face.