Reflective of Conrad’s realism and pessimism, this is a heart-rending story of an aging sea captain who is losing his eyesight. Captain Whalley conceals his deteriorating condition, regardless of his reputation, in order to provide financial support to his daughter. The love of a father for his only child and the lengths to which he goes to secure her happiness is touchingly portrayed. Nevertheless this is one of the most pessimistic books by Conrad.
Joseph Conrad, born Jozef Teodor Konrad Korzeniowski, (1857-1924) was a Polish-born novelist who spent most of his adult life in Britain. He is regarded as one of the greatest English novelists, which is even more notable because he did not learn to speak English well until he was in his 20s. He is recognized as a master prose stylist.