Classics
Heart of Darkness
Sailor Marlow tells his shipmates about a steamboat trip up the Congo to find Kurtz, a trader who has become a legend. What he sees on the way shows him what the ivory trade has made of the people involved.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1899
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 228
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a short, dense, atmospheric classic about colonialism and moral collapse.
Skip this if you would struggle with its racist language and attitudes, which are the subject of ongoing criticism.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about Heart of Darkness
- What is Heart of Darkness about?
- Sailor Marlow tells his shipmates about a steamboat trip up the Congo to find Kurtz, a trader who has become a legend. What he sees on the way shows him what the ivory trade has made of the people involved.
- Who should read Heart of Darkness?
- Read it if you want a short, dense, atmospheric classic about colonialism and moral collapse. Skip it if you would struggle with its racist language and attitudes, which are the subject of ongoing criticism.
- How long and how fast is Heart of Darkness?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 228 pages, first published in 1899.
- Does Heart of Darkness have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Racism, Violence, Death.
- Can I borrow Heart of Darkness for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Heart of Darkness; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Heart of Darkness?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Lord of the Flies, The Poisonwood Bible, Things Fall Apart.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Heart of Darkness
-
Lord of the Flies
Another short classic about how thin the line is between order and savagery.
-
The Poisonwood Bible
A modern novel about a family in colonial-era Congo, told from several women's points of view.
-
Things Fall Apart
The African novel written partly in response, showing the same period from the inside.
Classics
