Heart of Darkness

By: Joseph Conrad

Narrated by: Joss Ackland

‘The reaches opened before us and closed behind, as if the forest had stepped leisurely across the water to bar the way for our return. We penetrated deeper and deeper into the heart of darkness.’

At the peak of European Imperialism, steamboat captain Charles Marlow travels deep into the African Congo on his way to relieve the elusive Mr Kurtz, an ivory trader renowned for his fearsome reputation. On his journey into the unknown Marlow takes a terrifying trip into his own subconscious, overwhelmed by his menacing, perilous and horrifying surroundings.

The landscape and the people he meets force him to reflect on human nature and society, and in turn Conrad writes revealingly about the dangers of imperialism.

Enjoyable

Had to read Heart of Darkness for high school English class. Had trouble reading the book but found the audiobook enjoyable to listen to. By listening to it I was able to understand the emotions and moods of the novel and characters more easily, and because of its short length I was able to listen to it a few times in the lead-up to my test. Recommended.