In a small continental country civil war is raging. Once a lecturer in medieval French, now a confidential agent, D is a scarred stranger in a seemingly casual England, sent on a mission to buy coal at any price. Initially, this seems to be a matter of straightforward negotiation, but soon, implicated in murder, accused of possessing false documents and theft, held responsible for the death of a young woman, D becomes a hunted man, tormented by allegiances, doubts and the love of others.
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"A very engaging and literary spy novel by an excellent writer, narrated by Patrick Tull, who was one of the best over at Recorded Books. Good action and character and lots of mulling on the meaning of war, peace, love, death, and loyalty."
— Ruth (5 out of 5 stars)
" I love Graham Greene's themes,style and artistry. For me this was a treat. But it is not among his best works and I hesitate to recommend it to non-Greene fanatics. The voice performance is fine, if workmanlike. "
— Peregrine Pelham von Plotzheim, 4/12/2018" This book might work better as a movie where you tend to suspend your credulity in the enjoyment of watching your favourite actor/actress. I found some of the stereotypes used for the 'baddies' were annoying, too. I've only ever read Brighton Rock before which I liked at the time but clearly this shouldn't have been my next Greene novel to read. "
— Chris, 1/4/2014" This thriller story was a rare Greene that I really enjoyed how he dealt with the characters. His use of one letter initial for these people is carried on in my own writings. "
— David, 11/12/2013" i need to give greene another shot. i wasn't too impressed with this book, but i heard this not a good one to start with. "
— Guswong, 11/12/2013" treadmill "
— Milt, 11/1/2013" It has the feel of a John Buchan novel like 39 Steps or Greenmantle. It took a little while to get going, but is chock full of shady characters, political intrigue and a classic love interest. Light but enjoyable "
— Daren, 9/28/2013" Despite a perhaps rushed ending, this thriller was exceptionally entertaining and amusing. "
— Conor, 6/30/2013" Thoroughly old fashioned spy thriller.... Black and white movie style "
— Elaine, 6/19/2013" Great fun full of vivid characters, big ideas and beautiful writing. Greene wrote the kind of books I'd like to write: 'entertainments' (to borrow his word) with substance. "
— Ian, 3/8/2013" A little slow to get into, but then it got really interesting and suspenseful. "
— Maya, 3/3/2013" Not at all what I was expecting in a spy novel. The protagonist is nothing like James Bond. He is ill-prepared, war-weary, old, distrusted by his own government, and doesn't really want to kill anyone. I almost put it down after a couple of chapters, but I'm glad I didn't. "
— Rob, 8/11/2012" Dreamlike but frenzied book about the member of a rebel group trying to buy coal for his country. Everything works against him. "
— Chanpheng, 6/7/2012" Stopped reading 89 pages in. (1956 edition, william heinemann ltd) Just didn't hook me, and the pointless she's-not-feminine-therefore-she-is-creepy treatment of the hotel manageress was no help. "
— Cody, 4/20/2011" Never read any Greene before, looks like I've been missing out on a lot, time to get caught up "
— Duffy, 2/27/2011" Another of Greene's more minor works, still very enjoyable but I know there are better ones out there! "
— Hannah, 4/4/2010" I love Graham Greene but this book seemed a bit sad. I plan to read most of his works this year. "
— Shirley, 11/18/2009" disappointing so far. very kafka-esque and not in a good way "
— Anita, 6/25/2008Graham 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.