by Joseph Conrad, 1900
Jim, English sailor, on board a steamship bearing 800 pilgrims to Mecca. Ship runs over something, is bound to sink and storm rolling in. Jim jumps. Never forgives himself. Stands trial. His certificate is taken away. Befriends Marlowe, an old sea captain gentleman. Marlowe narrates most of the story. Jim finally finds happiness in Patusan on an out-of-the-way island. He ends up earning respect and love of the natives. Then a horrible crew of crooks lands and makes their way upriver. Due to treachery and deceit among a very few of the natives, Jim meets his end.
This author philosophizes too much. He ruins a good story. Jim took his one mistake too hard. I was glad when I finally finished the book. If this is his best novel, won’t be reading any more!