Lord Jim

Lord Jim, a book by Joseph Conrad, published in 1900. Jim, a young British sailor, becomes first fellow on the Patna, a ship full of devotees travelling to Mecca for the hazz. When the ship starts speedily taking on water and disaster seems approaching, Jim follows his captain and other crew members in leaving the ship and its passengers. A few days later, they are lifted by a British ship. However, the Patna and its passengers are later also rescued, and the disgraceful actions of the crew are revealed. The other contributors avoid the judicial court of enquiry, leaving Jim to the court alone. He is publicly criticised for this action and the novel follows his later efforts at coming to terms with his past. At trial, Jim meets Marlow and Marlow fixes Jim a position as a post manager at a remote colonial territory known as Patusan. Jim establishes a new identity at Patusan, and soon becomes a leader of great fame. The residents respect him as a spiritual and political force, a kind of father/protector of the people.