by David Lodge
First published 1966
David Lodge analyzes the literary achievement of Graham Greene, one of the twentieth century's most widely read novelists. Lodge explores how Greene transformed popular thriller formats into serious literature that grappled with faith, morality, and political upheaval. The critic examines Greene's Catholic novels like The Power and the Glory and The Heart of the Matter, showing how religious doubt and moral ambiguity drive his characters toward spiritual crisis. Lodge also considers Greene's political fiction, including The Quiet American and Our Man in Havana, demonstrating how Greene used exotic settings and international intrigue to explore broader questions about Western involvement in developing nations. The study reveals how Greene's technique of mixing entertainment with serious themes created a distinctive voice in modern literature. Lodge argues that Greene's ability to combine psychological realism with adventure storytelling made complex moral questions accessible to general readers while maintaining literary sophistication.
Genres: biography, essays, literary-fiction, 20th-century, criticism, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: adventure-storytelling, moral-ambiguity, psychological-realism
Period: Twentieth Century
Paperback · Columbia University Press