MI6's man in Havana is Wormold, a former vacuum-cleaner salesman turned reluctant secret agent out of economic necessity. To keep his job, he files bogus reports based on Charles Lamb's Tales from Shakespeare and dreams up military installations from vacuum-cleaner designs. Then his stories start coming disturbingly true . . .
First published in 1959 against the backdrop of the Cold War, Our Man in Havana remains one of Graham Greene's most widely enjoyed novels. It is an espionage thriller, a penetrating character study, and a political satire of government intelligence that still resonates today.
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"I never got really emotionally invested in this book; I did, however, think it was an amazing amount of intellectual ideas packed into just aout 200 pages. And very subtly, at that, because you think you're just reading a kind of funny little romp of a book, and then you realize there is much more at play, both on an individual and societal level. So I would highly suggest this book, though I will never be able to say I loved it. I do think, though, that it is one I will remember for a long time."
— Claire (4 out of 5 stars)
" I had trouble getting into this book at first. Much of it is conversation driven, and it's the type of witty banter that was common in Katheryn Hepburn or Carey Grant movies that came out in the 1950s. It's entertaining to watch but a bit annoying to read (at least for me). As the book grew darker, I enjoyed it more, however, and ultimately was glad I'd read it. "
— Miss, 2/7/2014" I liked this a lot. It just what you want from Graham Greene - a book that you actively want to keep reading, and that features a main character that you can empathise with, full of humour and (sometimes just about) believable characters). Worth a go, like everything I have read of his. "
— Peter, 2/1/2014" Quick read, fantastic book. "
— Joey, 1/14/2014" An amusing, quick read. I can totally see this as a movie. "
— Meghann, 12/31/2013" Wish I could give this 3.5 stars. Very funny, and interesting look at pre-cold-war Havana. "
— Patrick, 12/20/2013" A precursor to Le Carre's Tailor of Panama and more intriguing. "
— Kim, 11/27/2013" If you haven't read Graham Greene, this is a great book to start with. Smart, clever, dry and oh-so British. "
— Kevin, 11/18/2013" Charming and fun to read. "
— Myrivername, 5/24/2013" Almost missed a train in Zagreb as I didn't want to leave the cafe until I'd finished a chapter in this book. Loved it! "
— Julie, 5/17/2013" Easy light-reading book for those that like British humor. Got exciting after Part 3 though the ending left something to be desired. We used this as a Book Club book and it gave plenty to discuss in the colorful characters and speculation on where the plot would turn. "
— Shawn, 5/2/2013" a nice, enjoyable dark comedy "
— Patty, 4/17/2013Graham Greene (1904–1991) was an English novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. He served with the British secret service during the Second World War. His novels are often set in places in a state of seedy decay, and many of his locations, such as Vietnam in The Quiet American and Cuba in Our Man in Havana, became international crisis spots. Most of his novels have been filmed, including The Third Man, which the author first wrote as a film treatment. He was named Companion of Honour and received the Order of Merit, among numerous other awards.
Matthew Lloyd Davies is a veteran actor, director, and Audie Award–winning audiobook narrator. Highlights of his acting career include regular appearances with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre in the West End, on international tours, and in award-winning television shows and films. He has experience in radio, a master’s degree in directing, and extensive experience in presenting at corporate events.