Lord Jim

Joseph Conrad · 1857–1924 · Poland / England

Why it matters

One moment of cowardice, a lifetime of atonement, told through Marlow's circling, uncertain testimony. Conrad's nested narration made the 'how' of telling part of the story: a lesson Faulkner and Fitzgerald took to heart.

At a glance

Fragmented, achronological narration filtered through Marlow's uncertain retelling.