Lord Jim, a book by Joseph Conrad, published in 1900. Jim, a young
British sailor, becomes first fellow on the Patna, a ship full of
devotees travelling to Mecca for the hazz. When the ship starts speedily
taking on water and disaster seems approaching, Jim follows his captain
and other crew members in leaving the ship and its passengers. A few
days later, they are lifted by a British ship. However, the Patna and
its passengers are later also rescued, and the disgraceful actions of
the crew are revealed. The other contributors avoid the judicial court
of enquiry, leaving Jim to the court alone. He is publicly criticised
for this action and the novel follows his later efforts at coming to
terms with his past. At trial, Jim meets Marlow and Marlow fixes Jim a
position as a post manager at a remote colonial territory known as
Patusan. Jim establishes a new identity at Patusan, and soon becomes a
leader of great fame. The residents respect him as a spiritual and
political force, a kind of father/protector of the people.