Title: The End of the Affair
Author: Graham Greene
First published January 1, 1951
160 pages, Paperback
Rating: 3.9
Overview
“The End of the Affair” by Graham Greene is a story that transcends time and emotions. Maurice Bendrix recounts the tale of his illicit affair with Sarah Miles, but this is not a love story.
It is a story of hate, of complex emotions that evolve over time. With Sarah’s death haunting him, Bendrix sets out to exorcise his passion by reliving their journey from obsessive love to love-hate.
As he delves deeper into his emotional outlook, his hatred shifts from Sarah and her husband to the God who he feels has broken his life. A powerful and moving narrative that explores the complexities of human emotions and the search for redemption.
About the Author
Henry Graham Greene, a British writer, was known for his passionate Catholic beliefs, which were reflected in his famous novels such as The Power and the Glory (1940). He was honored with the Order of Merit and the Companions of Honour for his contributions as a novelist, short story writer, playwright, screenplay writer, travel writer, and critic.
Greene’s works delve into the complex moral and political issues of the modern world, earning him both critical acclaim and popular success. Despite the recurring Catholic themes in much of his writing, including the four major Catholic novels, (insert titles), Greene rejected the label of a “Catholic novelist.” His other works, such as (insert titles), also demonstrate his keen interest in international politics and espionage.
Editoral Review
Graham Greene’s The End of the Affair is a captivating exploration of love, faith, and betrayal set in the backdrop of World War II London. Greene, a prolific British author and playwright, was known for his works exploring moral and religious themes, and this novel is no exception.
The End of the Affair tells the story of Maurice Bendrix, a writer who falls passionately in love with Sarah Miles, the wife of a civil servant. Their affair is intense and all-consuming, until one day Sarah abruptly ends it.
When Bendrix meets her again years later, he becomes obsessed with understanding why she left him, and thus begins a complex and emotional journey that delves into the nature of love, jealousy, and faith.
Greene’s writing style is masterful, with vivid descriptions and rich characterizations that bring the story to life. His exploration of the complexities of human relationships, particularly in the face of war and tragedy, is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
At its core, The End of the Affair is a story about the power of love and the lengths to which people will go to protect it. It touches on themes of guilt, redemption, and forgiveness, and raises questions about the nature of God and the role of faith in our lives.
While the novel is set in a specific historical context, its themes and ideas are timeless and relevant to contemporary readers. The characters are complex and multi-dimensional, and their struggles and triumphs feel both personal and universal.
One potential weakness of the novel is its slow pacing, particularly in the beginning. However, this deliberate approach allows for a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their motivations, and ultimately adds to the emotional impact of the story.
Overall, The End of the Affair is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. Its exploration of love, faith, and betrayal is both timeless and timely, and its themes and ideas will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
Rating: 4.5/5
