An Outcast of the Islands

When loyalty is fragile, betrayal can change everything.

First published in 1896, An Outcast of the Islands is Joseph Conrad's gripping tale of Peter Willems, an ambitious yet morally weak trader whose misdeeds force him into exile on a remote Eastern island. Taken in by the generous Captain Lingard, Willems soon finds himself entangled in forbidden love, dangerous alliances, and the simmering tensions between colonial traders and the local population.

Set against the lush yet treacherous backdrop of the Malay Archipelago, Conrad delivers an unflinching portrait of greed, corruption, and the human capacity for self-destruction. This early novel showcases his signature blend of vivid maritime settings, moral complexity, and psychological depth.

"A compelling study of human weakness in an exotic and perilous world." – The Times Literary Supplement

"Conrad's mastery of atmosphere and moral tension is unmatched." – The Guardian

Why Readers Love It:

Evocative portrayal of life in the Malay Archipelago

⚖ Deep exploration of betrayal, loyalty, and moral decay

Early work from one of literature's greatest stylists

Click 'Buy Now' to experience Conrad's vivid tale of exile, temptation, and the cost of betrayal.