"The Shadow Line: A Confession" by Joseph Conrad is a compelling novella narrated by a young sea captain who experiences a defining moment in his life during his first command. Battling loneliness and uncertainty, he assumes responsibility for a storm-damaged ship and its mixed crew. As the journey progresses, a mysterious and enigmatic second-in-command named Burns exerts a powerful influence on the captain. Haunted by the shadow of a former captain's tragic death, the young protagonist faces the burdens of leadership and the fear of failure.