Lord Jim

by Joseph Conrad
Lord Jim cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Adventure
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Paperback • £3.99–£9.99 Hardback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6530
  • Added: 2025-11-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • Published: 1943-01-01
  • Formats: 5
  • Reviews: 4

Lord Jim follows the life of Jim, a young British sailor who, in a moment of cowardice, deserts his ship and its passengers during a crisis. The novel delves into Jim's struggle with his conscience and his quest for redemption, as he navigates through various adventures and encounters in the East. /n/nConrad's masterpiece is not just an adventure story but a profound exploration of human nature, morality, and the search for identity. The narrative style is rich and complex, reflecting the inner turmoil of its protagonist.

Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-11-21
thought-provoking 4.00

Lord Jim is a complex novel that explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the human condition. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and flawed, making for a thought-provoking read.

Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad is a novel that delves deep into the psyche of its protagonist, Jim. The story is set against the backdrop of the British colonial era and follows Jim's journey from a young man seeking adventure to a man haunted by his past mistakes. The novel is rich in symbolism and philosophical musings, making it a challenging but rewarding read. The character of Jim is complex and flawed, which makes his journey both compelling and frustrating. The novel's exploration of themes such as guilt, redemption, and the human condition is profound and thought-provoking. However, the pacing can be slow at times, and the dense prose may not appeal to all readers. Overall, Lord Jim is a novel that stays with you long after you've finished reading it.

Quick quotes

    The very essence of a romance is uncertainty

    The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it

    He was too honest to cheat and too proud to beg

archive.nytimes.com · Unknown · 2025-11-21
profound 4.50

The reviewer praises Lord Jim as a profound psychological tale, highlighting its exploration of personal drama and the consequences of a momentary lapse in judgment. They appreciate the novel's rich character development and its critique of idealism in the real world.

The reviewer finds Lord Jim to be a deeply psychological novel that delves into the personal drama of its protagonist, Jim. They highlight the novel's ability to capture the complexities of human nature, particularly through Jim's momentary lapse in judgment and the subsequent psychological burden he carries. The reviewer appreciates the rich character development and the way Conrad critiques the idealism of the protagonist in the context of the real world. The novel is seen as a profound exploration of guilt, redemption, and the human condition, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    This has nothing to do with Jim, directly; only he was outwardly so typical of that good, stupid kind we like to feel marching right and left of us in life, of the kind that is not disturbed by the vagaries of intelligence and the perversions of — of nerves, let us say.

    I can easily picture him to myself in the peopled gloom of the cavernous place, with the light of the bulk-lamp falling on a small portion of the bulkhead that had the weight of the ocean on the other side, and the breathing of unconscious sleepers in his ears. I can see him glaring at the iron, startled by the falling rust, overburdened by the knowledge of an imminent death.

    It struck me that it is from such as he that the great army of waifs and strays is recruited, the army that marches down, down into all the gutters of the earth. As soon as he left my room, that ‘bit of shelter,’ he would take his place in the ranks, and begin the journey towards the bottomless pit.

She Reads Novels · 2020-05-25
rewarding 3.50

The reading process was challenging, but the ending was satisfying. The book's depth and complexity make it a rewarding read.

This reviewer found the journey through 'Lord Jim' to be quite difficult, but ultimately worthwhile. The ending, in particular, left a strong impression. They appreciate the book's depth and the way it explores complex themes. While the reading experience was excruciating at times, they are glad they persisted to the end. The book's complexity and the way it delves into the human condition are highlighted as key strengths.

Quick quotes

    It was an excruciating process, but having finished it, I'm very glad I did.

    The ending brings a sense of closure and satisfaction.

    The book's depth and complexity make it a rewarding read.

Susan Coventry · 2016-11-13
impressive 4.50

Conrad's prose is impressively overwhelming. The character development and passages are particularly enjoyable.

This reviewer is impressed by Conrad's prose, which they describe as overwhelming in the best sense. They particularly enjoyed certain passages and the character development. The reviewer finds the book to be a rich and engaging read, with Conrad's writing style standing out as a major highlight. The depth and complexity of the characters are also noted as significant strengths.

Quick quotes

    Conrad's prose is impressively overwhelming.

    Some of the passages I pored over, enjoying every word.

    Particularly some of his character development is exceptional.

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