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'The Secret Sharer' by Joseph Conrad is a compelling novella that delves into themes of identity, morality, authority, and male bonding within fewer than a hundred pages. The story follows a young ship's captain who harbors a fugitive on his ship, leading to a complex internal struggle between following maritime law or following his personal feelings.

If you liked The Secret Sharer, here are the top 10 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 10 
  1. #1

    Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad
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    Heart of Darkness and The Secret Sharer by Joseph Conrad is a collection of two novellas that delve into the dark places of the human soul, set in contrasting environments - the steaming tropics and the maritime world. Heart of Darkness follows Marlow's journey into the African jungle to find the tormented white trader Kurtz, exploring themes of madness, desperation, and faith, while also serving as a scathing critique of European colonialism. On the other hand, The Secret Sharer tells the story of a young sea captain who harbors a fugitive officer and grapples with conflicting loyalties, blending psychological depth with philosophical musings.

    THE NELLIE, a cruising yawl, swung to her anchor without a flutter of the sails, and was at rest. The flood had made, the wind was nearly calm, and being bound down the river, the only thing for it wa...

  2. #2

    The Shadow-Line by Joseph Conrad, Jeremy Hawthorn
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    The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad is a novella that delves into the theme of maturation and growing up under pressure. The story follows a young sea captain who takes over command of a troubled ship haunted by its previous captain, leading to a test of his leadership skills and a journey towards responsible maturity. The writing style is described as elegant, with Conrad's understanding of human nature shining through as he explores the psychological challenges faced by the protagonist amidst the dangers of the sea.

    Only the young have such moments. I don't mean the very young. No. The very young have, properly speaking, no moments. It is the privilege of early youth to live in advance of its days in all the beau...

  3. #3

    Typhoon by Joseph Conrad
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    'Typhoon' by Joseph Conrad is a novella that draws on the author's seagoing experiences to tell the story of the crew of the Nan Shan, who encounter a monumental typhoon. The book portrays the crew's struggle to survive the violent storm, highlighting the captain's decisions and the crew's behavior in the face of nature's fury. Conrad's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, masterful scene painting skills, and the ability to evoke the fearsome moments of being in heavy water during heavy weather.

    Captain MacWhirr, of the steamer Nan-Shan, had a physiognomy that, in the order of material appearances, was the exact counterpart of his mind: it presented no marked characteristics of firmness or st...

  4. #4

    The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad
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    The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad is a dark and cynical tale set in the politically charged atmosphere of 19th century London. The story follows Mr. Verloc, a Russian secret agent who orchestrates a bomb plot to create dread in the populace, but things go disastrously wrong, affecting his innocent family. Conrad's writing style is described as masterly, with a cleverly plotted depiction of nihilism and anarchism, and a satirical take on the genre of political thrillers.

    Mr Verloc, going out in the morning, left his shop nominally in charge of his brother-in-law. It could be done, because there was very little business at any time, and practically none at all before t...

  5. #5

    Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad
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    Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad is a complex novel that delves into themes of cowardice, redemption, and colonialism. The story follows the protagonist, Jim, who dishonors himself at sea due to an act of cowardice. He seeks redemption in the small realm of Patusan, where his heroism lifts a local tribe from oppression but ultimately leads to tragic consequences when his past catches up with him. The narrative is intricately woven, exploring the West's colonial paternalism and the flawed nature of humanity through the character of Jim.

    He was an inch, perhaps two, under six feet, powerfully built, and he advanced straight at you with a slight stoop of the shoulders, head forward, and a fixed from-under stare which made you think of ...

  6. #6

    The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant
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    'The Necklace' by Guy de Maupassant is a collection of short stories that explore themes of vanity, selfishness, deceit, and the consequences of human desires. The stories are easy to read, yet still relevant today, focusing on human nature, greed, and the complexities of relationships. One of the most famous short stories in the collection, 'The Necklace', tells the tale of Madame Loisel, who borrows a necklace and loses it, leading to years of hard work to repay the loss.


  7. #7

    Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
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    'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad follows Marlow's journey into the Belgian Congo in search of the mysterious Kurtz, an ivory trader who has gained supremacy over the natives through violence. The story delves into the darkness within the human soul, exploring themes of imperialism, good versus evil, and the horrors of colonialism. Conrad's writing style is described as dense and evocative, with vivid descriptions of the African jungle and a caustic tone that reflects the moral decay of the characters.

    Marlow's narration takes readers through a journey of self-discovery and moral ambiguity as he navigates the Congo River and encounters the brutality of European colonialism. The story is layered with symbolism and explores the subconscious workings of the characters, particularly Kurtz, who represents the darkness that lurks within humanity. Conrad's narrative style is both raw and moody, painting a stark picture of the destructive forces at play in the heart of Africa and the hearts of men.

    1869 Conrad’s father dies, also of tuberculosis; Conrad is adopted by his maternal uncle, Tadeusz Bobrowski, who lives in Poland. The completion of the Suez Canal effectively links the Mediterranean a...

  8. #8

    Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
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    'Friday Black' by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah is a collection of short stories that delve into themes of race, consumerism, dystopia, and the human experience. The stories range from speculative fiction to magical realism, offering a dark and surreal look at society through the lens of Black America. Adjei-Brenyah's writing style is described as sharp, provocative, and evocative, with a focus on tackling important issues such as white supremacy, capitalism, racism, and the impact of violence on communities.

    He took a deep breath and set the Blackness in his voice down to a 1.5 on a 10-point scale. “Hi there, how are you doing today? Yes, yes, I did recently inquire about the status of my application. Wel...

  9. #9

    The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles
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    'The Sheltering Sky' by Paul Bowles is a novel that follows the journey of a husband and wife, Port and Kit Moresby, along with their friend Tunner, as they travel through North Africa in the 1940s. The book explores themes of alienation, existential dread, and the unraveling of relationships in a hostile and unfamiliar environment. As the characters venture deeper into the Sahara desert, they are confronted with dangers that test the limits of their humanity, leading to a downward spiral of personal and emotional disintegration. The writing style of Bowles is described as vivid, hypnotic, and searing, painting a haunting picture of the characters' inner turmoil and the harsh realities of the desert landscape.

    On the terrace of the Café d’Eckmühl-Noiseux a few Arabs sat drinking mineral water; only their fezzes of varying shades of red distinguished them from the rest of the population of the port. Their Eu...

  10. #10

    A Taste of Gold and Iron by Alexandra Rowland
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    'A Taste of Gold and Iron' by Alexandra Rowland is a character-driven story set in the fictional country of Arasht, ruled by a lady sultan. The plot follows the relationship between Kadou, an anxious but strong-willed prince, and Evemer, his serious and duty-bound bodyguard. The book intricately weaves together elements of romance, political intrigue, and world-building, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as smart, insightful, kind, and funny, with a touch of fanfiction flair that brings a unique and enjoyable aspect to the storytelling.

    The world of 'A Taste of Gold and Iron' is rich with gender diversity, nonbinary characters, and powerful women in positions of authority. The romance between Kadou and Evemer is portrayed as a slow burn, progressing logically with the plot and allowing for detailed character development. The book is praised for its well-paced action, accessible writing style, and the way it explores themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and acceptance within a fantasy setting.


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