Joseph Conrad 
The Nigger Of The Narcissus A Tale Of The Forecastle 

Often overlooked because of its controversial title, this novel from Joseph Conrad features a black West Indian protagonist, James Wait, who serves as a sailor on the merchant vessel known as Narcissus. Wait is overcome with illness on the voyage from Bombay to London, and the crew's reaction to his condition speaks volumes about differences in social class, psychology, and culture. A must-read for fans of maritime adventure tales, as well as for readers who appreciate Conrad's finely observed insights into human nature.