An Outcast of the Islands

Peter Willems is the outcast of the islands, in this, Joseph Conrad’s second novel published in 1896, inspired by his experience as ship’s mate on the trading vessel Vidar. Willems is confidential clerk to Hudig, a powerful merchant trading out of Macassar, in the Dutch East Indies, on the island of Sulawesi. But very soon Willems is on the run from a scandal and finds himself up-river at Almayer’s remote trading post. An all-consuming liaison ensues between Willems and Aissa, the local chief’s daughter. The denouement in the jungle amidst the deluge of a tropical storm is beautifully wrought and brimful of suspense. This is Conrad at his very best.It is read for Raconteurs by Greg Wagland.