i have to write an essay about this book and i was just wondering before i start reading it if this book is any good or if i should pick another book.... ive only liked a couple of books in my life which are the very hungry caterpillar by eric carle and the count of monte cristo by alexandre dumas and abrideged by lowell bair... but anyway do you think i would like this book?
2007-09-06 08:53:52 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I didn't especially love the story, but I didn't hate it. I did love Conrad's writing style. And it's a great book to write essays on, tons of possible topics. I would stick with this one. It's also really short.
2007-09-06 08:58:51 · answer #1 · answered by DngrsAngl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Will you like it? I can't say. But I can tell you that I consider it to be a masterpiece. Here's review of the book that I agree with totally:
"Unspeakably beautiful prose. The images reinforcing the narrative reinforcing the resulting horror, always slightly offstage, but always so close to your own soul as if to feel its very breath.
The plot consists of a frame story and narration of an "adventure" or a misadventure, where a young ambitious man takes a job as a river pilot, sent to investment operations in Africa, with a mission to go upriver and obtain goods and ivory. The story follows his journey from introduction to his employer, his travels in Africa, and his return.
But the plot is not the story, for it is the internal narration that we encounter his growing knowledge and apprehension and anxiety but compelling necessity of meeting Kurtz, the manager of the inner station of the operation.
But even the voice is not the story, for it is the care in which the words are chosen, and the ineffable quality of their lulling you into a state of consciousness of evil. After reading the book you are left marvelling at how literature is capable of such power."
2007-09-06 16:15:44 · answer #2 · answered by johnslat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's excellent. But it's intense, and not an easy read. I want to tell you to read "Heart," but maybe you'll be better off with "The Count of Monte Cristo," which I really enjoyed. Dumas's books are great fun, lots of adventure! And don't let the length throw you.
I don't know the other two.
2007-09-06 16:04:19 · answer #3 · answered by Diana 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not as good as Very Hungry Caterpillar. I didn't enjoy it that much when I read it recently, it's supposed to be a deep look into the dark psyche of man or something, but it's very slow paced. However, if it's for an essay, it's pretty short and jam packed with themes and allusions and whatnot.
2007-09-06 16:01:08 · answer #4 · answered by bagalagalaga 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a good book, but difficult to read. Many literary critics have written about it, since it deals with colonialism, so there are a lot of sources for writing an essay. Like I said, it's not an easy read, so consider other possibilities.
2007-09-06 16:18:03 · answer #5 · answered by Letizia 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't like it the first time I read it, but I like it now, after studying it a few times. It's certainly difficult, but it is good for essays. It's a classic at the very least.
2007-09-06 16:59:35 · answer #6 · answered by Miss Angora 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a difficult read, but worthwhile, and not terribly long. If this is your chance to read something by Joseph Conrad, go for it before you end up having to read something like Nostromo (which was VERY long and boring, unfortunately).
2007-09-06 16:24:41 · answer #7 · answered by Navigator 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never read it but it takes place in 19th Century Africa. The movie Apocalypse Now was based on it.
2007-09-06 15:58:03 · answer #8 · answered by mattgo64 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋