The End of the Tether

When a bank collapses, retired sailor Henry Whalley is forced to make the difficult decision to return back to sea. His experiences at sea mirror Conrad’s own as a sea merchant, giving the novella a uniquely autobiographical element. Skillfully crafted characters, masterful descriptions, and real-life events make ‘The End of the Tether’ a vividly emotional read for fans of modern and classic adventure alike.


Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) was a Polish-born author who left Poland in his teens to avoid enlistment in the Russian Army. He settled in Great Britain after learning English aboard British ships. Many of his works were inspired by his own experiences as a merchant seaman, including his most notable novel ‘Heart of Darkness’ (1899). His characteristic vivid descriptions appeal to fans of James Joyce, Jack London, and Charles Bukowski.