Some critics believe Conrad's literary power was already gone at that time. However, there are many reasons for not accepting this for all of his works from this period. Among the best works of his later fiction we can find 'The Shadowline', a work of perfect and poetic clarity. There are other fine (shorter) works as well.

In November 1916 Conrad spent about two weeks on board the H.M.S. Ready. This sailing-ship was supposed to search for hostile submarines.

In 1917 as well as in 1918 Jessie Conrad was undergoing some intense medical treatment because of her injured knees.

In 1919 the Conrad's moved again; this time to Spring Grove / Kent. Conrad ended the work on 'The Rescue' at the end of May 1919. He had started to write this text more than twenty years ago. And shortly afterwards - the same year - there was another move to Bishopsbourne near Canterbury. This should become the last address of Joseph Conrad.

In 1921 the Conrad family travelled through France and onto Corsica, where Conrad started to work on the novel 'Suspense'. Not only Conrad and his wife took part on this voyage, but also son Borys, a driver and a female servant for Jessie joined the group. However, the expedition did not bring great relief to Conrad's health. Although they visited Marseille and other places of his early life, Conrad usually incapsulated himself behind books and papers. Not even the meeting with Gérard Jean-Aubry *), a dear friend and translator of his works, could make him feel better.

He might have tought about the way of his life and whereto it had led him. The financial success was there, but he was miles away from feeling comfortable with his life and his situation. Maybe he was aware of that he might had written 'the great words' already.

*) Jean-Aubry was one of the first to write a biography about Joseph Conrad. Biographies see the page 'Literatur über Conrad'