Rover (Version 2)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)

Heart of Darkness (version 4) by Joseph Conrad delves into the profound journey into the human psyche and the darkness that resides within. This timeless novella explores themes of imperialism, morality, and the duality of human nature, making it a compelling listen for those seeking to understand the complexities of civilization and savagery. Conrad's vivid prose and haunting imagery invite listeners to reflect on the consequences of colonialism and the shadows that linger in the human soul. The story's enduring relevance lies in its exploration of existential themes that continue to resonate in today's world, urging us to confront the darkness that exists both within ourselves and in society at large.

Possessed "of a passion weary of itself", elderly ex-privateer Peyrol is driven by "a sudden impulse of scorn, of magnanimity" to engage in a mortally perilous exploit designed to trick Admiral Nelson into lifting his blockade of the French coast during the Napoleonic wars. The immediate backdrop of this tale's action is an horrific, politically-driven massacre that took place in Toulon in 1793, and which has greatly affected the lives of the small community amongst whom Peyrol has subsequently settled in his retirement. It is probably not a co-incidence that this novel, Conrad's last, was written soon after the Great War, in which Conrad's own son Borys served as an artillery officer, including at the Somme. Conrad's theme is the psychological disfigurement caused when we suffer, or inflict, great trauma, and the high price that must be paid thereafter to achieve any possible redemption. (Summary by Peter Dann)