Under Western Eyes

No cover — Joseph Conrad: Under Western Eyes (2009, The Floating Press)

eBook

English language

Published Jan. 8, 2009 by The Floating Press.

OCLC Number:: 591714823

(1 review)

Conrad reputedly wrote Under Western Eyes (1911) in response to Crime and Punishment, which he detested. The action takes place in Russia and Switzerland and shows Conrad's cynicism of revolutionary movements and ideals. It also condemns the impact on the poor and innocent by the actions of the powerful.

49 editions

Jan B reviewed Under Western Eyes by Joseph Conrad

Sad eyes

3 stars

This is a depressing read about the Russians, Russia and the proverbial Russian soul. About the omnipresent material and moral poverty and alcoholism. About despair and futility. Applicable to modern-day Russia, unfortunately.

The story is irrelevant. There are no likeable characters. Conrad means to show the European and Russian worldviews not as competing, but as intrinsically alien to each other.