Conrad's command of English is truly impressive, as another reviewer said the prose all the more inspiring considering it's in Conrad's 3rd language. That said, I am not "in on the fun" of most classic literature, and don't see what the big deal is about Heart of Darkness as a story. As a portrait of a time and place so savagely exploited that most modern readers can't even comprehend it, HoD has no equal, but Kurtz and other characters are either too shallow or too complex for me to really get involved.
The standout story in this B&N edition is "The Secret Sharer", short on action but long on nail-biting suspense. One can also admire the semi-farcical high seas saga of "Youth", and the poignant (but borderline long-winded) "Amy Foster".
Also includes loads of scholarly notes on Conrad's life, times & works.
The standout story in this B&N edition is "The Secret Sharer", short on action but long on nail-biting suspense. One can also admire the semi-farcical high seas saga of "Youth", and the poignant (but borderline long-winded) "Amy Foster".
Also includes loads of scholarly notes on Conrad's life, times & works.
I bought this primarily for the short fiction, but Conrad's prose is so unlike anyone else's. Like Nabokov, his multi-lingual talents render his English a lyrical shade that is completely unique. His prose was copied so much that we tend to forget that.
