[.ca] The Nigger of the Narcissus (ISBN 089966055X)

depressingly mean-spirited:
This is the first Conrad novel I've disliked for its racism. "Lord Jim" and "Nostromo" were also about the struggle of racial empire, but more complex and rich in feeling. This one, like "The Secret Agent," seems propelled mainly by resentment. Here the "Nigger" of the title, and his white ally on the ship, are despised by the true-hearted English sailors yet have somehow learned to make the modern world work for them. The message seems to be that weak manipulators, racially corrupt, are taking over the empire. The action of the plot is more allegorical then consequential and lacks internal logic. However the "Nigger" has the seeds of an interesting character, if we could only get to know him -- maybe on shore, and in good health.

Not his best but...:
The Nigger of the "Narcissus," though not Conrad's best work, is perhaps the best introduction to his work. Many of the themes he would explore in his subsequent works are addressed in this one; for example the psychological struggle with the incomprehsible and the problem of memory vs. reality. This work also has political overtones: the conservative captain and mates vs. the laboring crew as typified by the loathsome Donkin. It is a psychological tale and though it can probably be read in one sitting, it probably would be most enjoyable being read for the second or third time, as would most of Conrad's works. Joseph Conrad is not the most straightforward author in the world and, for this reason, many find his works more difficult than they really are. Indeed he is not for everyone. However, one should read his texts closely two or three times before denigrating them, for there is much to be cherished within his oeuvre.

Conrad's first masterpiece:
I read this in one sitting on a very dark skied rainy afternoon in an attic which looked like the interior of a ship and I was riveted by it, truly amazed by this tale which was at least in part based in fact. Conrad had written a couple of minor novels and some stories before this but this was his first masterpiece and remains his best tale of the sea, though he wrote other good ones none of them approach the power of this one. There is not only a great telling of a perilous holding-on-by-the-skin-of- your-teeth tale of a ship in peril but also a figure on board whose presence has an unsettling effect upon the men. While the ship sails on calm waters the crew and captain all appear to us as individuals only united by the fact that they all walk on the same decks, they are seen as unique presences and they all have their own reaction to the strangers "condition" which is an apparent illness. As the storm approaches and the ship and crew begins its stunningly told fight for life the individuals all merge as it were into one entity sharing the common task of sailors versus the sea. As the men try to save the ship the strangers presence is forgotten and the captain himself is mysteriously quiet as the men simply do what they must to survive the storm. Once the ship is no longer in peril the uneasy balance of personalities resumes and once again the stranger is suspect. Fascinating and exciting story. Elements of both mystery and high adventure combining here to give one not only a wildly enjoyable read but one which leaves ones mind opened in some way. Heart of Darkness and Lord Jim were Conrads next efforts, but don't miss this one. The prologue to this has Conrad setting down his artistic credo but read it only after the tale is told. That way your mind can absorb in its own way this excitingly told tale.

Amazing Passage:
This is a tale of the sea & perhaps the best one ever told by a master who has told many. Even if sea adventure doesn't appeal to you there is much here that will impress you. Conrad sets up one of the most amazing ship at sea scenarios(which is somewhat based in fact)and then populates his boat with an assortment of interesting characters who in the beginning are very much individuals but as the storm and excitement mounts and everyones life is in peril they all merge into one entity in their shared effort to save the ship. This short book is immensely enjoyable to read because Conrads way of writing allows you to experience with the crew what is happening. You feel you are on board. It is Conrads very original literary technique which is full of sense impressions which makes it all so immediate. Don't read too much about this book before you actually read it. In fact just read it. Then read the introduction by Conrad where he lays down his artistic credo. If you read a lot of Conrad and after reading this I expect you will this credo is interesting to refer to now and then though it is most applicable to this work. I am not an expert on race in literature but I suspect Conrad was one of the first to show sensitivity to other races than his own. The reason the crew feel the way they do toward the "nigger" and his illness(feigned or no) is one of the more mysterious aspects of this book. The book exerts a strong appeal still because of its style, its way of telling a tale with sense impressions and dialogue between crew members then leaving much for you to determine. Astonishingly effective technique. It will not take long to read but it will stay with you a long time.

A Great Work of Literature:
In my opinion, Nigger of the 'Narcissus' by Joseph Conrad is one of the truly great novels in English. It goes on the list with such works as The Great Gatsby, Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Passage to India, and Moby Dick. It is fascinating, gripping, deep, and entertaining. It defies description, analysis, or summary. (Nevertheless Doug Anderson in his review has done a pretty good job, so I won't even try.) I don't feel competent to write reviews of great literary works, but not everyone may be familiar with Conrad's Nigger of the 'Narcissus' and what a wonderful novel it is. ... I had no expectations about it and was taken completely by surprise. Nigger of the 'Narcissus' is not just another good novel. It is a masterpiece of literature.