The Secret Sharer  (Hardcover, Joseph Conrad)

The protagonist, an inexperienced captain, finds himself feeling isolated and disconnected from his crew. His loneliness is intensified when he encounters a young, naked man clinging to a rope ladder and seeking refuge on his ship. The stowaway, named Leggatt, reveals that he has escaped from another ship where he was serving as first mate. The captain sympathizes with Leggatt and offers him sanctuary, concealing him in his cabin. As the story progresses, the captain becomes increasingly fascinated with Leggatt and begins to identify with him. They share similar physical appearances and are both plagued by feelings of guilt and a sense of being outsiders. The captain sees in Leggatt a mirror image of his own suppressed desires and fears. The relationship between the captain and Leggatt explores themes of duality and the conflict between one's public and private selves. The captain becomes emotionally invested in Leggatt's fate, risking his own reputation and command to protect him. Through this connection, the captain experiences a newfound sense of self and regains his confidence as a leader. "The Secret Sharer" delves into the depths of the human psyche, examining the complexities of identity and the blurred boundaries between right and wrong. Conrad masterfully weaves a tale that is both introspective and suspenseful, using vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the psychological journey of the protagonist.