73 pages 2-hour read

Nostromo: A Tale of the Seaboard

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1904

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Book Brief

Joseph Conrad

Nostromo

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1904
Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
British Literature

Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure
Setting

Costaguana • 19th century

Theme
Power & Greed

Colonialism

Community
Publication Year

1904

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Joseph Conrad’s Nostromo follows the story of an Italian longshoreman named Nostromo, who is tasked with protecting a silver mine owned by Englishman Charles Gould during a revolution in the fictional South American country of Costaguana. Nostromo's journey sees him rise in prominence but ultimately fall into corruption and despair. The narrative explores themes of power, integrity, and the impacts of revolution.

Mysterious

Dark

Gritty

Suspenseful

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

18,279 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Joseph Conrad's Nostromo is lauded for its rich, intricate narrative and profound exploration of imperialism and human nature. Critics praise its atmospheric setting and complex characters. However, some find its dense prose and slow pacing challenging. Overall, it is considered a masterful yet demanding read that rewards patient readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Nostromo?

Readers who enjoy complex narratives with deep psychological and political insights, akin to those found in Gabriel Garcia Marquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude and Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, will appreciate Joseph Conrad's Nostromo. Those fascinated by moral ambiguity and colonial settings will find it particularly engaging.

3.9

18,279 ratings

66%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

A central figure in the novel known for his invaluable role as a mediator between the wealthy elites and the workers in Sulaco. He is widely respected and plays a significant part in Sulaco's economic and political landscape.

The kind and sociable wife of Charles Gould, she is beloved by both the wealthy and poor in Sulaco. Emilia is known for her hospitality and efforts to help those wounded during the political turmoil in the region.

A young journalist originally critical of his homeland's revolutionary nature, who becomes entangled in Sulaco's political conflicts due to his love for Antonia. Decoud uses his position as a newspaper editor to influence the political situation.

A doctor in Sulaco known for his aloof and bitter demeanor, who works closely with the Goulds and struggles with self-loathing due to his past experiences during an earlier revolution. He shares a special bond with Emilia Gould, who offers him understanding and redemption.

A member of Sulaco's elite and the owner of the San Tomé Mine, who is driven by a personal mission to transform the mine into a success and stabilize the region. He is deeply invested in the mine's operations and its prosperity.

Book Details
Pages

496

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
British Literature

Historical Fiction

Action & Adventure
Setting

Costaguana • 19th century

Theme
Power & Greed

Colonialism

Community
Publication Year

1904

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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