I've been a fan of Conrad since "Heart of Darkness". I like his writing even though sometimes I feel he is showing off his knowledge of the language. He makes a simple story sound posh.

Although I really enjoy his short stories, this one isn't that good. It was 'more of the same' type of sailing novella, with common characters sharing a common story. Funnily enough I expected more action; at some point it seems that something big will happen but then the story dies. The only character that seems to keep true to himself is Allen. Heemskirk and Freya take a weird turn of choices and it all seems to crumble.

I didn't dislike the novella, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone who has never read Conrad before. Definitely not one of his best works.