Nostromo - Joseph Conrad

This is a story of revolution and struggle, set in a typical South American country in the late nineteenth century. This is an unusual setting for Conrad, but as the opening suggests his theme is of isolation. Human dilemmas are surrounded by vast, uncaring nature. The country is named Costaguana (Dung coast), but could be any of the unstable republics. The Goulds, an English family, become involved in a struggle between the new, corrupt president and those who oppose him. Their trusted employee Giancomo (Nostromo, meaning our man) becomes the centre of their scheme. Together with an idealistic opponent of the dictator, he attempts to keep their silver bullion ...  Read the complete review