Heart of Darkness

Content warning for Heart of Darkenss: It features heavy use of the N-word. It was written in 1899 and uses the N-word to critique those using it.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad is a hearty critique of European involvement in Africa during the late 1800s, particularly during the ivory trade.

It follows Charlie Marlow as he ventures into Africa to become a ferry boat captain in the ivory trade. He immediately runs into trouble when his boat sinks and hears talk of the god-like Kurtz who has been down there a long time. It feels like a re-telling of Doctor Faustus from a third party with Kurtz playing the eponymous Doctor Faustus who made a deal with the devil in exchange for power.

4 of 5 stars