Tales of Unrest

Featuring five works of short fiction from the critically acclaimed author, Joseph Conrad, Tales of Unrest is a fascinating exploration of human struggle and philosophy. Karain: A Memory adopts elements of a traditional ghost story, setting an eerie mood as it explores the duality common among colonial and post-colonial people. The Idiots depict a family driven to murder after a couple stains to raise their intellectually disabled children. With the depiction of two white men placed in charge of an African trading post, An Outpost of Progress reveal the ethical issues of colonialism. Following a couple that has fallen out of love with each other, The Return is a domestic drama that explores the insecurities of a relationship riddled with infidelity, questioning if these issues inherently lie at the heart of all human relationships. Finally, The Lagoon depicts an emotional story set in the exciting and mysterious Indonesian rainforest. While travelling through the rainforest, Tuan is forced to spend a night with his old acquaintance, Arsat, who is struggling to manage his grief as his lover is on their deathbed. Prompted by sentiment, Arsat tells Tuan stories of his past as he wrestles with the reality of his lover’s soon-to-be death.

Assembled from Joseph Conrad’s early literary work, Tales of Unrest provides a unique glimpse into the original works of Conrad’s prolific and influential literary career. Each story within the Tales of Unrest collection is crafted with emotional depth and the classic, beloved style of Joseph Conrad. With remarkable settings, memorable characters, and intricate conflicts, Tales of Unrest explores an often hidden, grey area of humanity, addressing the supernatural, relationships, death, and unethical traditions with conviction.

This edition of Tales of Unrest by Joseph Conrad is redesigned with a striking new cover and is reprinted in a modern, easy-to-read font to accommodate contemporary readers and bring the exceptional prose of Joseph Conrad into the 21st century.