1904High Modernism
Nostromo
Joseph Conrad · 1857–1924 · Poland / England
Why it matters
An invented South American republic, a silver mine, and the corruption of every ideal in its orbit. Many call it the greatest political novel in English: the resource curse diagnosed before the term existed.
At a glance
political novelcolonial & postcolonial
Difficulty 8/10slow pace560 pagesNon-chronological structure, huge cast, and dense political and economic detail.
Deep dive
Conrad's most sprawling novel, about a fictional South American republic and the silver mine that ends up owning everyone who claims to own it.
Where to go next
Joseph Conrad · 1899Heart of DarknessLvl 7Slow burn
Joseph Conrad · 1900Lord JimLvl 8Slow burn
Ford Madox Ford · 1915The Good SoldierLvl 7Slow burn
Gustave Flaubert · 1857Madame BovaryLvl 5Slow burn
Tayeb Salih · 1966Season of Migration to the NorthLvl 7Slow burn
James Joyce · 1914DublinersLvl 3Slow burn