Books like The Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad
Published in 1907, Joseph Conrad’s *The Secret Agent* moves away from his earlier nautical themes to confront the political underbelly of late‑19th‑century London. Set in 1886, the novel centers on Adolf Verloc, a suspected spy for a foreign power, as he grapples with anarchistic ideas, espionage, and the threat of terrorism. Conrad’s narrative is narrated with a cynical tone, depicting London’s grime and moral decay, drawing inspiration from Dickensian bleakness. The story also explores Verloc’s relationship with his brother‑in‑law Stevie, an intellectual disability victim, adding a layer of social critique. Dedicated to H. G. Wells, the book remains a seminal work that interrogates the exploitation of the vulnerable and the moral ambiguities of political intrigue.
First publish date: 1907
Genre: Thriller/Political Thriller
Authors: Joseph Conrad
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Books similar to The Secret Agent (14 similar books)
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