Joseph Conrad’s thrilling history of a fictional South American country, its precious resources, and the men who will decide its fate
The fictional country of Costaguana, loosely based on Colombia, has suffered a long string of despots more interested in lining their pockets than strengthening the nation. Discontent simmers throughout the land, but in the major port city of Sulaco, industry chugs along. Keeping the silver flowing are capable men like Nostromo, a loyal and proficient longshoreman for the shipping company that transports boatloads of the precious ore. When an unexpected military coup shakes up the country, Nostromo finds himself entrusted with hiding an untold fortune from the encroaching revolution. Nostromo must balance his loyalty to Sulaco’s industrialists against the country’s financial health and the intentions of the insurgents.
In this intricate novel, Joseph Conrad combines politics, adventure, revenge, and revolution to illustrate how power and money can corrupt even the most righteous of men.