The growing-pains of Graham Greene

Set in London during and after World War II, 'The End of the Affair' delves into the complexities of a love triangle between Maurice Bendrix, Sarah Miles, and her husband, Henry. When Sarah abruptly ends her affair with Maurice, he becomes consumed by jealousy and hires a private detective to uncover the truth. The narrative explores themes of religious faith, skepticism, and the destructive nature of obsessive love. As Maurice unravels the secrets surrounding Sarah's decision, he confronts his own beliefs and grapples with the possibility of divine intervention. Greene's novel is a profound exploration of human relationships and the search for meaning in a world torn apart by war and personal turmoil.

The Captain and the Enemy is Graham Greene's last novel, published in 1988. The story follows Victor Baxter, a young boy who is taken from his boarding school by a mysterious Captain, who becomes his guardian and introduces him to a world of adventure and uncertainty. As Victor grows up, he uncovers secrets about the Captain's past and his involvement in various illicit activities. The novel explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for identity, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between good and evil. Greene's final work is a testament to his enduring fascination with the darker aspects of the human condition.

Ways of Escape is an autobiographical work by Graham Greene, delving into his life, travels, and the inspirations behind his writing. Greene reflects on his experiences in various parts of the world, including his time as a journalist and his involvement with intelligence services. He explores the complex relationship between his personal life and his literary creations, offering insights into his creative process. The book also sheds light on his personal struggles and the psychological aspects that influenced his work. Ways of Escape provides a candid and intimate portrait of one of the 20th century's most influential writers, revealing the man behind the novels and stories that captivated readers worldwide.

Monsignor Quixote, a novel by Graham Greene, is a lighter and more whimsical work compared to some of his other novels. It follows the adventures of a monsignor and his driver as they travel through Spain. The novel blends elements of satire, humor, and social commentary. Greene's characteristic exploration of moral ambiguity is present, but with a more gentle and reflective tone. Monsignor Quixote is a charming and engaging read, offering a different side of Greene's literary style. It is a testament to his versatility as a writer and his ability to create compelling narratives across various genres.

Graham Greene's 'The Lawless Roads' recounts his journey through Mexico in the late 1930s, a time of religious persecution and political upheaval. Greene's vivid descriptions capture the beauty and brutality of the country, as he explores the lives of ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. The book delves into themes of faith, poverty, and the struggle for justice, offering a compelling portrait of a nation in crisis. Through his keen observations and introspective reflections, Greene creates a powerful and unsettling account of a journey into the heart of darkness.

Published in 1938, *Brighton Rock* is a novel by Graham Greene that delves into the dark underworld of Brighton during the 1930s. The story revolves around Pinkie Brown, a 17-year-old gang leader who is both cruel and violent. After the murder of a journalist named Fred Hale, who had exposed Pinkie's gang's activities, Pinkie's world begins to unravel. Ida Arnold, a middle-aged woman who had a brief encounter with Hale, becomes determined to bring Pinkie to justice. The novel explores themes of good versus evil, Catholicism, and the moral complexities of its characters. Greene's vivid descriptions and the gripping plot make *Brighton Rock* a compelling and haunting read.

Set in Havana on the eve of the communist revolution, 'Our Man in Havana' follows James Wormold, an English expatriate who sells vacuum cleaners. Desperate for money to support his teenage daughter Milly's extravagant lifestyle, Wormold is recruited by the British Secret Service. Lacking any real intelligence, he fabricates reports using newspaper articles and a country club directory, creating an elaborate deception. However, his fictions start to take on a life of their own, leading to real-world consequences, including the targeting of innocent people. The novel is a satire on the absurdities of espionage and the problems caused by the fabrication of intelligence. It blends humor with a tragic undertone, reflecting Greene's critique of intelligence services based on his own experiences.

In 'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory', Tim Alberta provides an expansive and profoundly troubling portrait of the American evangelical movement. The book explores how evangelical Christians have become polarized and entangled in partisan politics and cultural warfare, straying from the core teachings of Christ. Alberta investigates the ways conservative Christians have pursued and abused power, highlighting the disconnect from New Testament scripture. He documents the growing fracture within American Christianity, the impact of events like Donald Trump's presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic, and the challenges faced by individual pastors and churches in a rapidly secularizing America.