Heart of Darkness
by Joseph Conrad
Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad holds a mixed reviews rating of 3.42 out of 5, based on 255.6K reader ratings. First published in 1899. The book spans 188 pages.
About Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness, a novel by Joseph Conrad, was originally a three-part series in Blackwood's Magazine in 1899. It is a story within a story, following a character named Charlie Marlow, who recounts his adventure to a group of men onboard an anchored ship. The story told is of his early life as a ferry boat captain. Although his job was to transport ivory downriver, Charlie develops an interest in investing an ivory procurement agent, Kurtz, who is employed by the government. Preceded by his reputation as a brilliant emissary of progress, Kurtz has now established himself as a god among the natives in “one of the darkest places on earth.” Marlow suspects something else of Kurtz: he has gone mad.A reflection on corruptive European colonialism and a journey into the nightmare psyche of one of the corrupted, Heart of Darkness is considered one of the most influential works ever written.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Joseph Conrad |
| Published | 1899 |
| Pages | 188 |
| Genres | Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.42 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 255,576 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Heart of Darkness?
Heart of Darkness is categorized as Classics, Fiction, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is Heart of Darkness worth reading?
Based on 255.6K reader ratings, Heart of Darkness has an average score of 3.42 out of 5.00, which is considered "Mixed Reviews." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Heart of Darkness?
Heart of Darkness has 188 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Heart of Darkness?
Heart of Darkness was written by Joseph Conrad. It was first published in 1899.
What is the ISBN for Heart of Darkness?
The ISBN-13 for Heart of Darkness is 9781892295490.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
