Title: Brighton Rock
Author: Graham Greene
First published January 1, 1938
269 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.7
Overview
ISBN 9780099478478 moved to this edition. In the seedy underbelly of Brighton, a violent gang war is tearing the town apart.
Pinkie, a cold-blooded and malevolent seventeen-year-old, has committed murder and is convinced he can evade punishment. However, he is about to cross paths with the tenacious and adventurous Ida Arnold.
Graham Greene’s electrifying thriller delves into a world of desperation and terror, where danger lurks at every turn. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY J.M. COETZEE
About the Author
Henry Graham Greene, a renowned British writer, was known for his passionate Catholic beliefs, which were reflected in his famous novels like The Power and the Glory (1940). He received numerous accolades for his exceptional work, including induction into the Order of Merit and the Companions of Honour.
Greene’s writing delved into the complex moral and political issues of the modern world, earning him both critical acclaim and widespread popularity. Despite the strong religious themes in many of his works, particularly in his four major Catholic novels, Greene objected to being labeled a “Catholic novelist.”
In addition to his religious explorations, Greene also displayed a keen interest in international politics and espionage, as seen in his works like The Quiet American, Our Man in Havana, and The Human Factor. Overall, Greene’s diverse body of work continues to captivate readers with its thought-provoking themes and masterful storytelling.
Editoral Review
Brighton Rock by Graham Greene is a classic novel of crime and morality that explores the human psyche amidst the backdrop of society’s darkest corners. First published on January 1, 1938, Brighton Rock reveals the genius of Greene’s unparalleled ability to craft characters with depth and profound human dilemmas that shake readers to the bone.
Brighton Rock follows the lives of two main characters, Pinkie Brown and Ida Arnold, whose fates collide in a web of betrayal, deceit, and murder. Pinkie is a young and ruthless gangster who fears neither God nor man.
He is haunted by his Catholic faith and struggles with the guilt of his actions as he rises to power in the criminal underworld. Ida, on the other hand, is vibrant and vivacious, a sharp-witted nightclub singer who possesses a deep sense of justice.
She sets out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murder of a journalist who may have known too much about Pinkie’s gang. The novel is set in Brighton, a seaside town in the south of England that is known for its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks.
Greene portrays the town as a haven for the morally corrupt and the desperate, where everyone is searching for something to fill the emptiness inside. The novel is filled with symbolism, allegory, and religious themes that reflect the human condition and the frailties of the soul.
The novel’s strengths lie in the richly drawn characters, its masterful plot structure, and the sophisticated storytelling that Greene employs. The characters are multifaceted and dynamic, each struggling with their demons as they try to navigate their way through life.
The plot is tight and suspenseful, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The book’s themes are timeless, exploring the complexities of morality, faith, and the human condition in a way that is still relevant today.
However, the book has a few flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, with moments of introspection that may feel too heavy-handed for some readers.
Additionally, the book’s ending may leave some readers unsatisfied, as it does not fully resolve all of the plot threads. Overall, Brighton Rock is a fantastic novel that deserves to be read by anyone who loves a good crime story or who is interested in exploring the human condition.
It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers and has set a high standard for the crime genre. 8.5 out of 10.
