The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale

The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale

Joseph Conrad (1857-1924)

Approximate level
B2
Length
92,212 words
Reading time
7 h 41 min
Chapters
13
Language
English
On Project Gutenberg since
1997

This novel follows Mr. Verloc, a man living in London during the late nineteenth century. He operates a small, suspicious shop that serves as a front for his secret activities. The writing style is descriptive and uses a sophisticated vocabulary typical of the era. You will encounter long, complex sentences that require careful attention to detail. The story explores themes of political conspiracy and social isolation. It is a challenging read that provides a deep look into the atmosphere of historical London.

61,338 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

  • London (England) -- Fiction
  • Political fiction
  • Conspiracies -- Fiction
  • Anarchists -- Fiction
  • Bombings -- Fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.

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How long does it take to read?

About 7 h 41 min at a native pace, spread over 13 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

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Text from Project Gutenberg, public domain.