
A bright, conversational memoir opens with the author’s reluctant yet amused response to a friendly urging: “You really must.” From there, he muses on the sheer force of a single word, the music of its accent, and how phrases like “glory” or “pity” have moved nations. The essayist’s tone is wry, blending philosophical observation with the everyday frustrations of a writer who feels his own voice is both a tool and a trap.
The second part turns inward, offering candid reflections on the solitary life of a novelist—how friendships are forged through pages, how sincerity can invite both allies and adversaries, and why true honesty often hides behind a veil. Readers hear a seasoned storyteller wrestling with the balance between self‑exposure and artistic disguise, all while maintaining a modest, earnest humor. This intimate collection invites listeners to share in the author’s thoughtful struggle with language, creativity, and the quiet moments that shape a writer’s world.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (251K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Sue Asscher and David Widger
Release date
2006-01-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1857–1924
Born in what is now Ukraine and writing in his third language, he turned years at sea into novels and stories full of danger, moral strain, and unforgettable settings. His work includes Heart of Darkness, Lord Jim, and Nostromo, and it helped shape modern English fiction.
View all books
by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad

by Joseph Conrad