Heart of the Matter, The

Greene, Graham

  3 Reviews

A policeman in a British colony in Africa during the war is led to disaster. A story of love and faith.

Comments from Groups

We had one of our best discussions of the year about this book.Everyone agreed the writing was superb, but some found the story a little dark. However we have chosen another Graham Green for next year as the discussion and exchange of ideas were so good. Tairua 001

A brilliant book, although somewhat dated in attitudes to Catholicism. Wellington 123

This book gave rise to much discussion, and on the whole we found it quite sad. Greene writes so well that we readers felt we were participants in the life and dramas being played out, and we really felt sympathy for Scobie as he became more and more trapped between his religion and the life and duty of a civil servant. How well Graham Greene described the duplicity, betrayal, acceptance/non-acceptance of life in the colonial civil service! A thought-provoking book. Lower Hutt 004

Beautifully written, but we did not like any of the characters! Wellington 004

We had a very good discussion about this book. We thought that Scobie was a complex but rather weak character, and as George Orbell said, " a little improbable'. The book is possibly outdated as far as the Catholic church is concerned, and may not be a popular read with the modern generation. Gore 003

We all enjoyed the book - loved the language and characterization. Good discussion on the meaning of the word 'pity'. Masterton 003

A few of us felt like giving up on this one , as we didn't find the characters captured the readers' sympathy. Those who completed it found it a real page turner from half-way through, although a depressing outcome. The book initiated much interesting discussion about the experiences of immigrants, as half of our group had emigrated from Britain. Christchurch 203

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