Robert Hampson Boeken

When Lord Jim first appeared in 1900, many took Joseph Conrad to task for couching an entire novel in the form of an extended conversation--a ripping good yarn, if you like. Conrad defended his method, insisting that people really do talk for that long, and listen as well. In fact his chatty masterwork requires no defense--it offers up not only linguistic pleasures but a timeless exploration of morality. The eponymous Jim is a young, good-looking, genial, and naive water-clerk on the Patna, a cargo ship plying Asian waters. He is, we are told, "the kind of fellow you would, on the strength of his looks, leave in charge of the deck." He also harbors romantic fantasies of adventure and heroism--which are promptly scuttled one night when the ship collides with an obstacle and begins to sink. Acting on impulse, Jim jumps overboard and lands in a lifeboat, which happens to be bearing the unscrupulous captain and his cohorts away from the disaster. The Patna, however, manages to stay afloat. The foundering vessel is towed into port--and since the officers have strategically vanished, Jim is left to stand trial for abandoning the ship and its 800 passengers.

The Wrogul are a mysterious and powerful species with the ability to manipulate reality. As tensions rise between them and humanity, a young protagonist discovers their hidden heritage and embarks on a journey to understand their true identity. Themes of self-discovery, the struggle for coexistence, and the exploration of power dynamics unfold as the characters navigate a world where the boundaries between species blur. This gripping tale blends fantasy and adventure, challenging perceptions of good and evil.

The book explores the rich history and evolution of Liverpool, utilizing diverse documentary sources. It culminates in a detailed examination of the Toxteth Riots of 1981, highlighting the oppressive policing methods aimed at black youths. The narrative situates these events within Liverpool's infamous involvement in the slave trade and the ongoing issues of racial discrimination, providing a comprehensive look at the city's social dynamics and historical challenges.