Graham Greene
Graham Greene was an English novelist and author regarded as one of the leading writers of the 20th century. His works explore the ambivalent moral and political issues of the modern world, often through a Catholic perspective. Some of his most famous novels include 'The Power and the Glory,' 'The Heart of the Matter,' and 'The End of the Affair.'
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The End of the Affair
Set in London during and just after World War II, the novel revolves around a love affair between Maurice Bendrix, a writer, and Sarah Miles, the wife of a civil servant. The story is narrated by Bendrix, who is obsessed with Sarah and hires a private investigator to follow her when he suspects she's having another affair. The novel explores themes of love, hate, and the existence of God, with Sarah's faith playing a significant role in the narrative.
The 176th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Power and the Glory
The novel is set during the Mexican Revolution, focusing on a whisky priest who is on the run from the authorities who have outlawed Catholicism. The priest, who is flawed and sinful, travels across the country to evade capture, minister to the faithful, and find a way to repent for his sins. Despite his moral failings, the priest's compassion and commitment to his faith make him a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of oppression. The book explores themes of faith, redemption, and the human struggle with sin.
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3. Brighton Rock
"Brighton Rock" is a thrilling crime novel set in 1930s Brighton, revolving around the life of a young gangster, who is involved in a series of violent acts and murders. The narrative also explores the themes of Catholicism, morality, and the nature of sin, as the protagonist struggles with his religious beliefs and the guilt of his actions. The story is further complicated by the involvement of a naive young woman who falls in love with the gangster, unaware of his dark side.
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4. The Third Man
Set in post-World War II Vienna, the story revolves around an American writer who arrives in the city to discover that his childhood friend, whom he had planned to meet, has recently died in a mysterious accident. As he delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding his friend's death, he uncovers a web of intrigue involving black market dealings, corrupt officials, and a complex moral landscape. The writer's investigation leads him to question loyalty, morality, and the ambiguous nature of friendship in a city divided by occupation and rife with espionage and criminality.
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5. The Quiet American
Set during the French colonial war in Vietnam, this novel follows a British journalist and a young American idealist who become friends and find themselves in a love triangle with a Vietnamese woman. As the war escalates, the journalist becomes disillusioned with the American's naïve political views and the destructive impact of foreign intervention. The story is a critique of American involvement in Vietnam, exploring themes of love, friendship, and moral ambiguity.
The 637th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. The Heart of the Matter
The novel follows the story of a British colonial police officer stationed in Sierra Leone during World War II. He is an honest and diligent man but finds himself in a moral crisis when he is torn between his duty and his love for another woman. He is caught in a spiral of deceit, corruption, and betrayal that leads to his tragic end. The narrative delves into themes of guilt, faith, betrayal, and moral paradoxes.
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7. Our Man In Havana
An Entertainment
The book is a satirical espionage novel set in pre-revolutionary Cuba, where a hapless vacuum cleaner salesman is recruited by British intelligence to serve as their operative in Havana. Despite his lack of experience and qualifications, he fabricates intelligence reports to appease his superiors, inadvertently triggering a cascade of increasingly absurd and dangerous events. As the line between fiction and reality blurs, the protagonist finds himself entangled in a web of deception and political intrigue that satirizes the absurdities of the Cold War era and the follies of intelligence agencies.
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8. Monsignor Quixote
"Monsignor Quixote" is a modern take on the classic Don Quixote tale, set in post-Franco Spain. The story follows a village priest who is elevated to the rank of monsignor through a clerical error, and his friend, the town's ex-mayor who is a staunch communist. The unlikely pair embarks on a journey across Spain, engaging in philosophical debates about faith, politics, and life. The journey and their friendship mirror the adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, with the narrative exploring the absurdities and contradictions of life, religion, and politics.
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9. The Ministry Of Fear
An Entertainment
Set against the backdrop of World War II London during the Blitz, this gripping novel follows Arthur Rowe, a man haunted by guilt over his wife's mercy killing. His life takes a dramatic turn when he unwittingly wins a cake at a fête, which thrusts him into a world of espionage, murder, and intrigue. As Rowe becomes entangled in a complex web of spies and secret organizations, he must navigate a landscape where trust is scarce, and the line between friend and foe is blurred. The narrative masterfully combines elements of suspense, psychological depth, and the exploration of morality under the pressures of wartime, delivering a compelling story of a man's quest for redemption amidst chaos.
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10. The Honorary Consul
Set in a remote city on the Parana River in Argentina, the novel follows the story of a British honorary consul who is mistakenly kidnapped by revolutionaries who intended to kidnap the American ambassador. As the consul battles alcoholism and depression, his young wife embarks on an affair with a local doctor, who is drawn into the political drama as he attempts to negotiate the consul's release. The book explores themes of love, political unrest, and moral ambiguity.
The 3156th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. Travels With My Aunt
This novel follows the adventures of Henry Pulling, a retired bank manager, who leads a quiet life tending to his dahlias until he reunites with his eccentric Aunt Augusta at his mother's funeral. Aunt Augusta, a woman with a colorful past and an insatiable thirst for adventure, draws Henry into a series of unexpected journeys that take them from England to Paris, Istanbul, and South America. Along the way, Henry is introduced to a world of smuggling, intrigue, and characters who challenge his previously staid existence. Through these experiences, Henry discovers a zest for life he never knew he possessed, as he learns that adventure and excitement can be found at any age.
The 3207th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. A Gun For Sale
An Entertainment
This novel is a gripping tale of intrigue and betrayal, revolving around the life of Raven, a disfigured hitman who is embroiled in international espionage after being hired to assassinate a European minister. The plot thickens as Raven becomes a fugitive, pursued by both the police and his own employers, who seek to silence him to cover up their involvement. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with a sympathetic chorus girl, which leads to unexpected twists and a deeper exploration of themes such as morality, identity, and the corrupting influence of power. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe, the narrative delves into the dark underbelly of society, exposing the complexities of human nature and the consequences of violence.
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13. Orient Express
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious train journey from Istanbul to Paris, this narrative weaves together the lives of a diverse group of passengers, each harboring their own secrets and desires. As the train hurtles through the night, tensions rise and relationships are tested, revealing the complexities of human nature. The story delves into themes of love, betrayal, and redemption, capturing the essence of a world on the brink of change. With its rich character development and intricate plot, the tale offers a compelling exploration of the human condition.
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14. The Human Factor
The novel delves into the intricate world of espionage, centering on a British intelligence operative who, disillusioned with his nation's foreign policy and personal tragedies, becomes a mole for the Soviet Union. As he navigates the morally ambiguous terrain of loyalty and betrayal, the story explores themes of love, guilt, and the clash between personal ethics and duty. The protagonist's quiet life is disrupted as his superiors begin to suspect a leak within the agency, leading to an introspective and suspenseful narrative that examines the human motivations behind political treachery.
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15. Journey Without Maps
This travelogue details the author's trek through the interior of Liberia, a journey undertaken in the 1930s. The narrative provides a vivid account of the people, culture, and harsh realities of life in the African interior, as well as the author's own introspections and experiences. The journey is both a physical exploration of a little-known part of the world and a philosophical exploration of the author's own beliefs and values.
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16. The Third Man And Other Stories
Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Vienna, this collection of stories delves into the murky world of espionage, betrayal, and moral ambiguity. The centerpiece tale follows a writer who arrives in the city to find his friend dead under suspicious circumstances, leading him into a web of deceit and intrigue. The stories explore themes of loyalty, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, capturing the tension and uncertainty of a world recovering from conflict. Each narrative is rich with atmospheric detail, drawing readers into a shadowy realm where nothing is as it seems.
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17. Ways Of Escape
In this reflective memoir, the author delves into the intricate tapestry of his life, exploring the myriad influences and experiences that shaped his literary journey. Through a series of personal anecdotes and insights, he navigates the complexities of his dual existence as both a writer and a traveler, revealing the profound impact of his adventures and encounters on his creative process. The narrative offers a candid glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of a life dedicated to storytelling, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the motivations and inspirations behind his celebrated works.
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18. A Burnt Out Case
The novel follows a disillusioned architect who retreats to a leper colony in the Congo to escape the emptiness of his life. As he becomes involved with the patients and the community, he grapples with his own sense of purpose and the complexities of human suffering and redemption. Through interactions with the priests, doctors, and locals, he confronts his own spiritual crisis and the possibility of finding meaning in selfless service. The story explores themes of faith, existential despair, and the search for personal salvation amidst the backdrop of a remote and challenging environment.
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19. The Tenth Man
Set during the German occupation of France in World War II, this gripping novella explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and redemption. The story unfolds in a small French village where a group of hostages is held by the Germans, and one in every ten men is to be executed as a reprisal for the killing of a German soldier. A wealthy lawyer, desperate to save his own life, offers all his possessions to a fellow prisoner willing to take his place. The narrative delves into the aftermath of this decision, examining the profound impact on the lives of those involved, as well as the moral complexities and human emotions that arise from such a desperate bargain.
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20. The Comedians
Set against the tumultuous backdrop of Haiti under the brutal regime of François "Papa Doc" Duvalier, this gripping narrative follows the intertwined lives of three expatriates who find themselves entangled in a web of political intrigue, personal betrayal, and moral ambiguity. As they navigate the dangerous landscape of a country rife with fear and corruption, each character is forced to confront their own ideals and limitations, revealing the complexities of human nature and the often blurred lines between heroism and cowardice. The story masterfully explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the haunting specter of guilt, all while painting a vivid portrait of a nation in turmoil.
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21. Complete Short Stories
This collection offers a rich tapestry of narratives that delve into the complexities of human nature, exploring themes of morality, faith, and the often blurred lines between good and evil. Each story is a masterful blend of suspense, wit, and psychological insight, capturing the essence of life's unpredictability and the intricacies of human relationships. The characters, often caught in moral dilemmas, navigate a world filled with political intrigue, personal conflicts, and existential questions, reflecting the author's keen understanding of the human condition.
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22. Graham Greene
A Life in Letters
This introspective work delves into the complexities of human nature and morality, weaving a narrative that explores the intricate dance between faith and doubt. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal turmoil, the story unfolds through the eyes of a conflicted protagonist, whose journey is marked by moments of profound insight and existential questioning. The narrative is rich with atmospheric detail and psychological depth, capturing the essence of a world where the lines between good and evil blur, leaving readers to ponder the true nature of redemption and the human condition.
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23. El Factor Humano
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, this gripping espionage novel delves into the moral complexities and personal dilemmas faced by a British intelligence officer. As he navigates the murky world of international intrigue, he grapples with issues of loyalty, betrayal, and the human cost of political machinations. The narrative explores the tension between personal ethics and professional duty, painting a poignant picture of a man caught in the crossfire of conflicting allegiances and the relentless demands of a shadowy world.
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24. England Made Me
An aimless Englishman arrives in Stockholm and, through his capable twin sister, becomes the bodyguard and public face for a revered industrial magnate whose empire is built on deception; seduced by luxury yet nagged by a fragile conscience, he makes a small, ill-fated bid for decency that threatens the machine he serves, and the ensuing cover-up reveals the compromises, betrayals, and moral emptiness binding the siblings to a corrupt world.
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25. Twenty One Stories
A collection of short fiction that probes moral ambiguity and the uneasy border between innocence and guilt, faith and doubt. Across wartime ruins, drab boarding houses, and sunlit foreign streets, ordinary people stumble into betrayals, compulsions, and chance encounters that expose their frailties. With taut plotting, dark humor, and ironic twists, these tales explore the costs of desire and the thin veneer of respectability.
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