Almayer's Folly: A Story of an Eastern River

Joseph Conrad

Nov 2023 · Good Press

About this ebook

Joseph Conrad's novel 'Almayer's Folly: A Story of an Eastern River' is a gripping tale set in the exotic backdrop of Southeast Asia. The book narrates the story of a Dutch trader, Almayer, struggling to find success and happiness in the midst of the ever-changing colonial landscape. Conrad's literary style is characterized by vivid descriptions of the lush landscapes and complex characters, capturing the readers' imagination and transporting them to a world filled with cultural clashes and personal dilemmas. The novel is a fine example of early 20th-century literature that delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the consequences of colonialism. Conrad's skillful use of language and intricate plot twists make 'Almayer's Folly' a rich and thought-provoking read for any lover of classic literature.

About the author

Joseph Conrad is recognized as one of the 20th century's greatest English language novelists. He was born Jozef Konrad Nalecz Korzeniowski on December 3, 1857, in the Polish Ukraine. His father, a writer and translator, was from Polish nobility, but political activity against Russian oppression led to his exile. Conrad was orphaned at a young age and subsequently raised by his uncle. At 17 he went to sea, an experience that shaped the bleak view of human nature which he expressed in his fiction. In such works as Lord Jim (1900), Youth (1902), and Nostromo (1904), Conrad depicts individuals thrust by circumstances beyond their control into moral and emotional dilemmas. His novel Heart of Darkness (1902), perhaps his best known and most influential work, narrates a literal journey to the center of the African jungle. This novel inspired the acclaimed motion picture Apocalypse Now. After the publication of his first novel, Almayer's Folly (1895), Conrad gave up the sea. He produced thirteen novels, two volumes of memoirs, and twenty-eight short stories. He died on August 3, 1924, in England.