July 16
Heart of Darkness
.
Set in the Belgian Congo of the late nineteenth century, Heart of Darkness is a dark tale of colonialism and barbarity. It is also a deep psychological exploration of the human heart and the darkness it can hold. Heart of Darkness is not an easy read, but its breathtaking grasp of the human experience and the thin veneer of civilization leaves me unsettled whenever I visit this story. Published in 1902, it reflects some of Conrad’s actual experience while working briefly in the Belgian Congo in 1890.
It’s a great read, but you’re right, there’s a definite creepy factor to it. I’m not sure if it passes “The Lottery” on that scale for me, but I’ve always loved books with dark undertones.
Me too! A couple years ago we read the The Lottery and Other Stories by Shirley Jackson in book club. I loved it.! I was already familiar with The Lottery story because I saw it as a film in Junior High. NEVER forgot it…who could!
I read it in grade school and I’ve never forgotten it! I believe she had one other story that stuck with me, too. It’s about a mother who is going to her first PTA meeting. Her son comes home every day talking about the exploits of this boy in his class named Jamie. She can’t wait to get a glimpse of this boy. I won’t spoil the end, but it is great! It’s a great read, and I’ll have to poke around and see if I can find the title of the story.