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Doctor Fischer of Geneva or the Bomb Party
When the notorious toothpaste millionaire decides to hold his own deadly version of the Book of Revelations, Greene opens up a powerful vision of the limitless greed of the rich; black comedy and painful satire combine in a totally compelling novel.
156 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1980
47 people are currently reading
1879 people want to read
About the author
Graham Greene
811 books6,185 followersHenry Graham Greene was an English writer and journalist regarded by many as one of the leading novelists of the 20th century.
Combining literary acclaim with widespread popularity, Greene acquired a reputation early in his lifetime as a major writer, both of serious Catholic novels, and of thrillers (or "entertainments" as he termed them). He was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times. Through 67 years of writing, which included over 25 novels, he explored the conflicting moral and political issues of the modern world. The Power and the Glory won the 1941 Hawthornden Prize and The Heart of the Matter won the 1948 James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was shortlisted for the Best of the James Tait Black. Greene was awarded the 1968 Shakespeare Prize and the 1981 Jerusalem Prize. Several of his stories have been filmed, some more than once, and he collaborated with filmmaker Carol Reed on The Fallen Idol (1948) and The Third Man (1949).
He converted to Catholicism in 1926 after meeting his future wife, Vivienne Dayrell-Browning. Later in life he took to calling himself a "Catholic agnostic". He died in 1991, aged 86, of leukemia, and was buried in Corseaux cemetery in Switzerland. William Golding called Greene "the ultimate chronicler of twentieth-century man's consciousness and anxiety".
Combining literary acclaim with widespread popularity, Greene acquired a reputation early in his lifetime as a major writer, both of serious Catholic novels, and of thrillers (or "entertainments" as he termed them). He was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times. Through 67 years of writing, which included over 25 novels, he explored the conflicting moral and political issues of the modern world. The Power and the Glory won the 1941 Hawthornden Prize and The Heart of the Matter won the 1948 James Tait Black Memorial Prize and was shortlisted for the Best of the James Tait Black. Greene was awarded the 1968 Shakespeare Prize and the 1981 Jerusalem Prize. Several of his stories have been filmed, some more than once, and he collaborated with filmmaker Carol Reed on The Fallen Idol (1948) and The Third Man (1949).
He converted to Catholicism in 1926 after meeting his future wife, Vivienne Dayrell-Browning. Later in life he took to calling himself a "Catholic agnostic". He died in 1991, aged 86, of leukemia, and was buried in Corseaux cemetery in Switzerland. William Golding called Greene "the ultimate chronicler of twentieth-century man's consciousness and anxiety".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
December 7, 2023
The devil parties in mysterious ways.
Alfred Jones is in love with Anna-Louise, daughter of the wealthy and infamous Dr. Fischer, who cares only about himself and nothing else, not even her daughter. For a time everything flowing fine, their love slowly blossoming undisturbed. Alfred is humble and old fashioned, and when he asks the blessing from her future father-In-law, he gets an invitation to one of his exclusive parties. The gossip in town speak very ill of these parties, where the attendants are gifted extravagant prizes, and mistreated in horrific manner by their host, Dr. Fischer, notorious for being a cunning business man, and a loathsome devilish man.
This was mostly good. Solid 3 stars. I really enjoyed the meeting and romance development between Alfred and Anna-Louise. The age difference was a bit disconcerting, but less bothersome if you manage to overlook it. Also memorable the sad story about her late mother Anna and Mr. Steiner. The parties of Dr. Fisher were interesting, to say the least. His guests, “The Toads”, kind of cartoony. Some skimmable bits here and there, but nothing too excessive. And an impactful ending, although maybe not the most satisfying.
Overall enjoyable, but not great. In a way this reminded me somewhat of García Marquez, and his trademark beautifully tragic stories. A book I would’ve probably never read if I hadn’t find it in my parent’s bookcase. The author is good, I know I’ve read one of his short stories before. Looking forward to reading more of his works.
Still remaining, the movie (1984)
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1980] [143p] [Classics] [Not Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★☆☆ The Third Man
★★★☆☆ Doctor Fischer of Geneva
★★★☆☆ The Return of A.J. Raffles [2.5]
-----------------------------------------------
El diablo partuza en formas misteriosas.
Alfred Jones está enamorado de Anna-Louise, hija del acaudalado e infame Dr. Fischer, quien se preocupa por sí mismo y nadie más, ni siquiera su hija. Por un tiempo todo fluyendo bien, su amor lentamente floreciendo sin problemas. Alfred es humilde y de viejas maneras, y cuando le pide la bendición a su futuro suegro, recibe una invitación a una de sus exclusivas fiestas. El rumor del pueblo habla muy de estas fiestas, donde los participantes reciben extravagantes regalos, y tratados de horrible manera por su anfitrión, el Dr. Fischer, notorio por ser un calculador hombre de negocios, y un detestable hombre diabólico.
Esto estuvo mayormente bien. Sólidas 3 estrellas. Realmente disfruté el encuentro y el desarrollo del romance entre Alfred y Anna-Louise. La diferencia de edad fue algo desconcertante, pero menos molesta si se consigue obviarlo. También memorable la triste historia de su difunta madre Anna y el Sr. Steiner. Las fiestas del Dr. Fisher fueron notoriamente interesantes, por decir lo menos. Sus invitados, “Los Pelotas”, algo caricaturescos. Algunas partes salteables aquí y allá, pero nada demasiado excesivo. Y un final impactante, aunque tal vez no el más satisfactorio.
Dentro de todo disfrutable, pero no espectacular. En cierta manera esto me recordó algo a García Marquez, y sus características trágicamente hermosas historias. Un libro que probablemente nunca hubiera leído si no lo hubiera encontrado en la biblioteca de mis viejos. El autor es bueno, sé que leí uno de sus cuentos cortos anteriormente. Esperando leer más de sus obras.
Queda pendiente, la película (1984)
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1980] [143p] [Clásicos] [No Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
Alfred Jones is in love with Anna-Louise, daughter of the wealthy and infamous Dr. Fischer, who cares only about himself and nothing else, not even her daughter. For a time everything flowing fine, their love slowly blossoming undisturbed. Alfred is humble and old fashioned, and when he asks the blessing from her future father-In-law, he gets an invitation to one of his exclusive parties. The gossip in town speak very ill of these parties, where the attendants are gifted extravagant prizes, and mistreated in horrific manner by their host, Dr. Fischer, notorious for being a cunning business man, and a loathsome devilish man.
This was mostly good. Solid 3 stars. I really enjoyed the meeting and romance development between Alfred and Anna-Louise. The age difference was a bit disconcerting, but less bothersome if you manage to overlook it. Also memorable the sad story about her late mother Anna and Mr. Steiner. The parties of Dr. Fisher were interesting, to say the least. His guests, “The Toads”, kind of cartoony. Some skimmable bits here and there, but nothing too excessive. And an impactful ending, although maybe not the most satisfying.
Overall enjoyable, but not great. In a way this reminded me somewhat of García Marquez, and his trademark beautifully tragic stories. A book I would’ve probably never read if I hadn’t find it in my parent’s bookcase. The author is good, I know I’ve read one of his short stories before. Looking forward to reading more of his works.
Still remaining, the movie (1984)
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1980] [143p] [Classics] [Not Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★☆☆ The Third Man
★★★☆☆ Doctor Fischer of Geneva
★★★☆☆ The Return of A.J. Raffles [2.5]
-----------------------------------------------
El diablo partuza en formas misteriosas.
Alfred Jones está enamorado de Anna-Louise, hija del acaudalado e infame Dr. Fischer, quien se preocupa por sí mismo y nadie más, ni siquiera su hija. Por un tiempo todo fluyendo bien, su amor lentamente floreciendo sin problemas. Alfred es humilde y de viejas maneras, y cuando le pide la bendición a su futuro suegro, recibe una invitación a una de sus exclusivas fiestas. El rumor del pueblo habla muy de estas fiestas, donde los participantes reciben extravagantes regalos, y tratados de horrible manera por su anfitrión, el Dr. Fischer, notorio por ser un calculador hombre de negocios, y un detestable hombre diabólico.
Esto estuvo mayormente bien. Sólidas 3 estrellas. Realmente disfruté el encuentro y el desarrollo del romance entre Alfred y Anna-Louise. La diferencia de edad fue algo desconcertante, pero menos molesta si se consigue obviarlo. También memorable la triste historia de su difunta madre Anna y el Sr. Steiner. Las fiestas del Dr. Fisher fueron notoriamente interesantes, por decir lo menos. Sus invitados, “Los Pelotas”, algo caricaturescos. Algunas partes salteables aquí y allá, pero nada demasiado excesivo. Y un final impactante, aunque tal vez no el más satisfactorio.
Dentro de todo disfrutable, pero no espectacular. En cierta manera esto me recordó algo a García Marquez, y sus características trágicamente hermosas historias. Un libro que probablemente nunca hubiera leído si no lo hubiera encontrado en la biblioteca de mis viejos. El autor es bueno, sé que leí uno de sus cuentos cortos anteriormente. Esperando leer más de sus obras.
Queda pendiente, la película (1984)
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1980] [143p] [Clásicos] [No Recomendable]
-----------------------------------------------
February 10, 2017
Any millionaire gets an obituary in Switzerland.
This lean, clean novella has a Swiss setting and, for that matter, a Swiss feel as well: the open play of ideas and the streamlined plot reminded of something by Dürrenmatt. Here, though, the themes of redemption and guilt are not related to Switzerland's role in the world, but attach themselves instead to Greene's enduring concern with ecclesiology and metaphysics.
When this came out in 1980, Graham Greene was living in the town of Vevey on Lake Geneva (just round the corner from Charlie Chaplin). And Vevey is also the home of the book's narrator, a humble clerk with the unlikely job of in-house translator for a local chocolate factory. This literary Oompa-Loompa meets and falls in love with the daughter of a fabulously wealthy local industrialist, the titular Dr Fischer, who turns out to be a monstrous arriviste, in love with the power that money has brought him and bent on humiliating his obsequious inner circle. At a series of ritually-staged dinners, Fischer tells cruel jokes at the expense of his hangers-on, forces them to eat cold porridge, and develops increasingly sinister ways to punish them for their cupidity.
All this is a little too OTT to be taken at face value. The dinner guests are grand-guignol caricatures – a wizened lawyer, a screeching American widow, a stiff Swiss major-general. Characters talk of Dr Fischer variously as God and Satan, while the narrator himself is compared to Christ: this, combined with much earnest discussion of forgiveness and the Matthew Principle (‘Unto every one that hath shall be given’, Matthew 25:29), leaves Greene's underlying interests looking a little naked, his exploration of them a little heavy-handed.
It certainly makes things easy for reviewers, the unwary among whom will be tempted into making grandiose disquisitions on the book's ‘themes’. Actually, I suspect that all this allegorical banter will leave most readers fairly cold. What does make a lasting impression is Greene's as it were incidental brilliance – the perfect evocation of the doomed romance with Fischer's daughter, the hyperaware banality that precedes a tragedy, the deft descriptions of daily life, the capturing of a certain cynical melancholy in the narrative voice. All of this makes him an enjoyable and instructive read even when his parables fail to connect.
August 10, 2022
Graham Greene's 1980 novel is a story that I last read 40 years ago. Thankfully time hasn't diminished how much I enjoyed it. Greene creates a rather pathetic group of characters who attend parties held by Dr Fischer. The party guests are humiliated so that Fischer can observe how far they will go to gain a prize.
Greene's study of people's greed is a sad, yet often humourous tale & it shows an author who compels the reader to keep turning the pages of this highly entertaining satire.
Greene's study of people's greed is a sad, yet often humourous tale & it shows an author who compels the reader to keep turning the pages of this highly entertaining satire.
September 26, 2020
A novella from Graham Greene - always a good way to spend a couple of hours.
Set in Switzerland, our main character, Alfred Jones, is a humble clerk for a chocolate company. He meets and marries a young woman, Anna-Luise, and therefore crosses paths with her father, Dr Fischer.
Dr Fischer is incredibly wealthy, having invented a popular brand of toothpaste, but is a depiction of disconnected arrogance, and as portrayed by Jones -evil.
Dr Fischer and his daughter Anna-Luise have an estranged relationship - he shows no interest in her life, and in return she wants nothing to do with him or his toadies - who she refers to a toads. These people, who he regularly hosts at his ritual dinner parties, faun over Dr Fischer, while he makes scathing jokes at their expense, while offering gifts to satisfy their greed. His research in to greed, he calls it.
There are many features to the plot, and this book covers off a lot in its 150 pages, but I would prefer not to offer up spoilers for a relatively fast moving plot. It is probably not a novella to offer deep thought - it is fairly obvious in its plot. However it is a little dark, a little twisted, and a little entertaining.
4 stars.
Set in Switzerland, our main character, Alfred Jones, is a humble clerk for a chocolate company. He meets and marries a young woman, Anna-Luise, and therefore crosses paths with her father, Dr Fischer.
Dr Fischer is incredibly wealthy, having invented a popular brand of toothpaste, but is a depiction of disconnected arrogance, and as portrayed by Jones -evil.
Dr Fischer and his daughter Anna-Luise have an estranged relationship - he shows no interest in her life, and in return she wants nothing to do with him or his toadies - who she refers to a toads. These people, who he regularly hosts at his ritual dinner parties, faun over Dr Fischer, while he makes scathing jokes at their expense, while offering gifts to satisfy their greed. His research in to greed, he calls it.
There are many features to the plot, and this book covers off a lot in its 150 pages, but I would prefer not to offer up spoilers for a relatively fast moving plot. It is probably not a novella to offer deep thought - it is fairly obvious in its plot. However it is a little dark, a little twisted, and a little entertaining.
4 stars.
June 24, 2023
لكي تحضر حفلات الدكتور فيشر؛ عليك أن تكون جشعًا، وغنيًا، وذليل.
الراوي هنا ألفرد چونز، وهو أرمل في الخمسين من العمر، موظف بسيط إنجليزي يعمل في سويسرا؛ ويريد الزواج من آنا لويز ابنة الدكتور فيشر من چنيڤ، وهو ثري سئ السمعة، معروف بحفلاته العجيبة؛ التي يحضرها مجموعة من المتلمقين المحيطين به، وهم أثرياء بدورهم ويختبر جشعهم اللامتناهي بطريقة مستفزة في الكلام، والأفعال ويذلهم ليحصلوا على جوائز قيمة جدًا وباهظة الثمن في نهاية الحفل، وهم متقبلون كل هذه الإهانات بكل أريحية متملقة، وقد حضر واحدة من تلك الحفلات الراوي وهو الطبيعي الوحيد بينهم.
لن أستطرد في التفاصيل لأن بها حرق للرواية، ولكن دكتور فيشر ينظم حفلة أخيرة للجشع المطلق يطلق عليها حفلة القنبلة ويحضرها نفس الأشخاص ومعهم الراوي السيد جونز، وترى جشعهم وطمعهم للحصول على الجوائز، بكل جشع وطمع ونذالة وخسة وذلة، مع ربط كل جائزة بقنبلة قابلة للتفجير. ماذا سيحصل في النهاية؟
كوميديا سوداء رمزية؛ تكشف لك زيف الأثرياء الجشعين ومخاطرتهم من أجل مزيد من الأموال. هنا يستخدم جرين ألوانًا بشرية سريالية ليشكل واقعية الأحداث، مع انتقاد خفي للدين والمجتمع والبشر. ببساطة تطالعك طبيعة سلوك البشر، وعالم ملئ بالتجريدات المطلقة كالحب والكراهية والشعور باليأس والذنب والانتحار إلخ.
الراوي هنا ألفرد چونز، وهو أرمل في الخمسين من العمر، موظف بسيط إنجليزي يعمل في سويسرا؛ ويريد الزواج من آنا لويز ابنة الدكتور فيشر من چنيڤ، وهو ثري سئ السمعة، معروف بحفلاته العجيبة؛ التي يحضرها مجموعة من المتلمقين المحيطين به، وهم أثرياء بدورهم ويختبر جشعهم اللامتناهي بطريقة مستفزة في الكلام، والأفعال ويذلهم ليحصلوا على جوائز قيمة جدًا وباهظة الثمن في نهاية الحفل، وهم متقبلون كل هذه الإهانات بكل أريحية متملقة، وقد حضر واحدة من تلك الحفلات الراوي وهو الطبيعي الوحيد بينهم.
لن أستطرد في التفاصيل لأن بها حرق للرواية، ولكن دكتور فيشر ينظم حفلة أخيرة للجشع المطلق يطلق عليها حفلة القنبلة ويحضرها نفس الأشخاص ومعهم الراوي السيد جونز، وترى جشعهم وطمعهم للحصول على الجوائز، بكل جشع وطمع ونذالة وخسة وذلة، مع ربط كل جائزة بقنبلة قابلة للتفجير. ماذا سيحصل في النهاية؟
كوميديا سوداء رمزية؛ تكشف لك زيف الأثرياء الجشعين ومخاطرتهم من أجل مزيد من الأموال. هنا يستخدم جرين ألوانًا بشرية سريالية ليشكل واقعية الأحداث، مع انتقاد خفي للدين والمجتمع والبشر. ببساطة تطالعك طبيعة سلوك البشر، وعالم ملئ بالتجريدات المطلقة كالحب والكراهية والشعور باليأس والذنب والانتحار إلخ.
February 22, 2023
Трудно было дать оценку, три с половиной, округлено до 4. Посвященная феномену человеческой жадности, новелла Грэма Грина анализирует, до каких пределов богатый человек готов терпеть унижения, пренеприятные щелчки по чувству собственного достоинства и прямой риск для жизни по принципу «русской рулетки» ради получения денег либо дорогого подарка. Альфред, не обладающий богатством, отказывается от денег и принимает риск подорваться на бомбе, но не ради денег, а ради того, чтобы умереть, не прибегая к убиванию самого себя лично. Желание умереть возникает из-за нелепой, безвременной смерти жены из-за несчастного случая. Таким образом, открываются врата для размышлений, ради чего жить, когда твоя любимая умерла? Как жить, когда твоя любимая умерла? Смысл ли жизни в любви? Это с одной стороны, пафосно и слезовыжимательно. С другой, хоть Альфред и говорит, что не нашел в себе мужества покончить с собой, нет сомнений, что он нашел смысл в том, чтобы остаться жить. И этот смысл был в неверии. «Не было никакого смысла отправляться вслед за Анной-Луизой, если дорога ведет в ничто. Пока я живу, я могу хотя бы ее вспоминать». «Смерть уже не была выходом – она была несообразностью.»
Также, стало очевидным, что доктор Фишер находился в серьезном душевном кризисе. Его развлекают его ужины, где он наблюдает за человеческими реакциями на дорогой денежно-вещевой стимул, но он сам к деньгам не привязан, истратив их на эти полевые испытания степеней человеческой жадности и низости. Смерть ли жены и дочери толкнули его, не интересовавшегося ими при жизни, к тому, чтобы выстрелить себе в висок? Автор дает в качестве ключа к разгадке, что он дескать презирал всех, и возможно себя самого, прямо об этом не говорится. Он считал, что совершил ошибку, приказав уволить Стайнера. Надо было наоборот, приказать Кипсу удвоить ему жалование и купить жене все пластинки Моцарта. Значит, все же им двигало сожаление, что он не предотвратил смерть жены и боролся не столько за ее любовь, сколько за то, чтобы наказать обидчика. Несмотря на очевидные достоинства новеллы, вместе с тем, ее герои показались несколько безликими, отличающимися друг от друга только критериями богатый/небогатый.
Также, стало очевидным, что доктор Фишер находился в серьезном душевном кризисе. Его развлекают его ужины, где он наблюдает за человеческими реакциями на дорогой денежно-вещевой стимул, но он сам к деньгам не привязан, истратив их на эти полевые испытания степеней человеческой жадности и низости. Смерть ли жены и дочери толкнули его, не интересовавшегося ими при жизни, к тому, чтобы выстрелить себе в висок? Автор дает в качестве ключа к разгадке, что он дескать презирал всех, и возможно себя самого, прямо об этом не говорится. Он считал, что совершил ошибку, приказав уволить Стайнера. Надо было наоборот, приказать Кипсу удвоить ему жалование и купить жене все пластинки Моцарта. Значит, все же им двигало сожаление, что он не предотвратил смерть жены и боролся не столько за ее любовь, сколько за то, чтобы наказать обидчика. Несмотря на очевидные достоинства новеллы, вместе с тем, ее герои показались несколько безликими, отличающимися друг от друга только критериями богатый/небогатый.
March 1, 2024
My PhD supervisor gave me this book on the occasion of my graduation, as my last name is Fischer. I didn’t know Greene before that but I have since read almost everything by this brilliant writer. Hard to believe Graham Greene has never won the Nobel prize for literature. Without doubt he was one of the most important novelists of the 20th century.
July 25, 2023
or Alfred Jones and the Chocolate Factory
or To Him that Hath Shall Be Given
or Christmas in a Neutral Country
or Anna-Luise, I Love You
or An Island in the Haze
An odd little book, which isn't usually my experience with Graham Greene. Graham Greene Lite, which sounds dismissive, but isn't. Absurd as parts of the plot may be--Doctor Fischer reminds me of the role Truman Capote plays in Murder by Death--it is also (and more significantly) a love story. Love, wealth, greed, chocolate, skiing, and Switzerland. Religion is a topic of conversation among the characters more than anything else, but anyone so inclined could easily give it more weight. It seems that Jay Gatsby isn't the only one who knows how to throw a lavish party. (On a side note, this is my second accidentally-featuring-Christmas book this year--the other was Beryl Bainbridge's Young Adolf--and I'm not mad about it.)
or To Him that Hath Shall Be Given
or Christmas in a Neutral Country
or Anna-Luise, I Love You
or An Island in the Haze
An odd little book, which isn't usually my experience with Graham Greene. Graham Greene Lite, which sounds dismissive, but isn't. Absurd as parts of the plot may be--Doctor Fischer reminds me of the role Truman Capote plays in Murder by Death--it is also (and more significantly) a love story. Love, wealth, greed, chocolate, skiing, and Switzerland. Religion is a topic of conversation among the characters more than anything else, but anyone so inclined could easily give it more weight. It seems that Jay Gatsby isn't the only one who knows how to throw a lavish party. (On a side note, this is my second accidentally-featuring-Christmas book this year--the other was Beryl Bainbridge's Young Adolf--and I'm not mad about it.)
September 12, 2025
Кратка новела, но с доста наситено съдържание.
Подходяща е за първо запознанство с творчеството на Греъм Грийн.
Алчността, презрението, омразата и подлизурстването безсрамно са изкарани още веднъж на светло, гърчещи се в купчина от неразривно свързани нощни твари.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
Подходяща е за първо запознанство с творчеството на Греъм Грийн.
Алчността, презрението, омразата и подлизурстването безсрамно са изкарани още веднъж на светло, гърчещи се в купчина от неразривно свързани нощни твари.
Моята оценка - 3,5*.
September 12, 2011
this is a surprisingly shallow depiction of the banality of evil - a common topic for the author. perhaps the standardized thriller format did not provide Greene enough room in which to grow his intriguing themes, develop more-than-standard characters, or at least create some genuine resonance. alas! the set-up is actually quite interesting (and mordantly amusing); unfortunately, the novel itself lacks that spark of excitement or complexity of plot or depth of characterization that allows it to rise above being much more than a quick page-turner. still, for what it is, enjoyable in its own way.
December 28, 2020
This was another official (official because I keep on rediscovering Greene again and again) Greene re-read this year, alongside "The Captain And The Enemy" and with good reason. 2020 has been an unbelievably unbearable year, as I have said countless number of times already, and all the paranoia and apprehension reached a fever peak of disaster in the month of December, ideally when things should have looked hopeful and cautiously optimistic about the new year. In such desperate times, when the mind refuses to hope, what does one do, or rather read? Simple. I chose to read a book by my favourite author and once again, things felt a little fine and perhaps the world did not seem so terrible a place to live in.
It was also fitting that I reread this, hot on the heels of "A Christmas Carol" - a Christmas parable that urges us, warmly and lovingly, to be good to all and to talk softly and sweetly during this season. I needed, however, a strain of something morbidly dark and yet curiously releasing, something emotionally raw, vulnerable, naked, something that would touch my open wounds with icy fingers and also something that would then apply an ointment of emotional release over them. Something that asks tough questions, reveals terrible truths, punches the reader in the gut and then embraces the same tightly, reassuringly, insisting that life still has meaning, no matter how deranged or perverse it can be.
What better than this sad, elegiac, darkly hilarious, uncomfortably plausible, romantic, poignant, heartbreaking, bitter, sorrowful and even electrifying and tense little novel, then?
"Doctor Fischer" is a scathing joke, a bitter farce, a roar of pain, a sigh of regret and all these things at the same time. It is not just about greed or how it drives us to even forget our fear and dignity; rather it is also about love and loathing, about the ecstasy of love and the agony of its loss, about the perverse thrill of mockery and humiliation and the disillusionment of triumph. And it ends with one of the most heart-stopping and heartbreaking scenes of Russian Roulette ever written in the history of literature.
And all this fascinating depth and profundity, Greene achieves it perfectly, unerringly, in a book far short of the 200 page mark. How about that, Mr. Hemingway?
It was also fitting that I reread this, hot on the heels of "A Christmas Carol" - a Christmas parable that urges us, warmly and lovingly, to be good to all and to talk softly and sweetly during this season. I needed, however, a strain of something morbidly dark and yet curiously releasing, something emotionally raw, vulnerable, naked, something that would touch my open wounds with icy fingers and also something that would then apply an ointment of emotional release over them. Something that asks tough questions, reveals terrible truths, punches the reader in the gut and then embraces the same tightly, reassuringly, insisting that life still has meaning, no matter how deranged or perverse it can be.
What better than this sad, elegiac, darkly hilarious, uncomfortably plausible, romantic, poignant, heartbreaking, bitter, sorrowful and even electrifying and tense little novel, then?
"Doctor Fischer" is a scathing joke, a bitter farce, a roar of pain, a sigh of regret and all these things at the same time. It is not just about greed or how it drives us to even forget our fear and dignity; rather it is also about love and loathing, about the ecstasy of love and the agony of its loss, about the perverse thrill of mockery and humiliation and the disillusionment of triumph. And it ends with one of the most heart-stopping and heartbreaking scenes of Russian Roulette ever written in the history of literature.
And all this fascinating depth and profundity, Greene achieves it perfectly, unerringly, in a book far short of the 200 page mark. How about that, Mr. Hemingway?
August 18, 2015
'It’s a bit too late for that, isn’t it?’
‘It’s never too late to spit at God Almighty. He lasts for ever and ever, amen. And he made us what we are.’
‘Perhaps he did, but Doctor Fischer didn’t.’
‘He made me what I am now.’
‘Oh,’ I said – I was impatient with the little man who had broken my solitude – ‘go up there then and spit. A lot of good may it do you.’
What a book! I can't reveal too much about the plot without giving some of the twists away but this was a meticulous exercise in spunky, dark. twisted, cynicism - and I loved it. If you're not a fan of Greene's dark side, stay way away from this one.
In places, the eponymous Dr Fischer and his games actually reminded me of Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter character - except without the gore and cannibalism. The end of Dr Fischer reveals their differences in motivations, which was nice to read because it added another dimension to Dr Fischer.
‘It’s just to show the others that he can get you to come. He may try to humiliate you in front of them – it would be like him. Bear it for an hour or two, and, if he goes too far, fling your wine in his face and walk out. Always remember we are free. Free, darling. He can’t hurt you or me. We are too little to be humiliated. It’s like when a man tries to humiliate a waiter – he only humiliates himself.'
‘It’s never too late to spit at God Almighty. He lasts for ever and ever, amen. And he made us what we are.’
‘Perhaps he did, but Doctor Fischer didn’t.’
‘He made me what I am now.’
‘Oh,’ I said – I was impatient with the little man who had broken my solitude – ‘go up there then and spit. A lot of good may it do you.’
What a book! I can't reveal too much about the plot without giving some of the twists away but this was a meticulous exercise in spunky, dark. twisted, cynicism - and I loved it. If you're not a fan of Greene's dark side, stay way away from this one.
In places, the eponymous Dr Fischer and his games actually reminded me of Thomas Harris' Hannibal Lecter character - except without the gore and cannibalism. The end of Dr Fischer reveals their differences in motivations, which was nice to read because it added another dimension to Dr Fischer.
‘It’s just to show the others that he can get you to come. He may try to humiliate you in front of them – it would be like him. Bear it for an hour or two, and, if he goes too far, fling your wine in his face and walk out. Always remember we are free. Free, darling. He can’t hurt you or me. We are too little to be humiliated. It’s like when a man tries to humiliate a waiter – he only humiliates himself.'
March 11, 2020
39th book of 2020.
This is a short and enjoyable read, quite unlike the other Greene novels I've read, but also, somehow, quite like Greene at the same time.
I doubt if one ever ceases to love, but one can cease to be in love as easily as one can outgrow an author one admired as a boy.
This is a novel about greed, about the rich, and partly, love and religion. Dr Fischer is an interesting, caricature character, like most of the other 'Toads', as they are referred to as. Our protagonist marries the woman he loves, to find that her father is the despicable and 'mad' Dr Fischer, who holds infamous parties, though no one knows what occurs there except the people who are invited. I won't spoil much, but the 'bomb party' is essentially Russian roulette - how that fits into the plot, well, that's not for me to say. I'm a big reader of articles on writers, so I plan to feed all my outside reading into my reviews now with any links I deem interesting - you can care, or not. Anyway, I read that Greene regularly played Russian roulette for a time, which is... astounding - more about that here.
All in all, a quick, enjoyable read from Greene, but certainly a 'lesser' work.
This is a short and enjoyable read, quite unlike the other Greene novels I've read, but also, somehow, quite like Greene at the same time.
I doubt if one ever ceases to love, but one can cease to be in love as easily as one can outgrow an author one admired as a boy.
This is a novel about greed, about the rich, and partly, love and religion. Dr Fischer is an interesting, caricature character, like most of the other 'Toads', as they are referred to as. Our protagonist marries the woman he loves, to find that her father is the despicable and 'mad' Dr Fischer, who holds infamous parties, though no one knows what occurs there except the people who are invited. I won't spoil much, but the 'bomb party' is essentially Russian roulette - how that fits into the plot, well, that's not for me to say. I'm a big reader of articles on writers, so I plan to feed all my outside reading into my reviews now with any links I deem interesting - you can care, or not. Anyway, I read that Greene regularly played Russian roulette for a time, which is... astounding - more about that here.
All in all, a quick, enjoyable read from Greene, but certainly a 'lesser' work.
Read
January 10, 2020Doktor Fišer iz Ženeve nije roman već novela, dakle fokusiran je i srazmerno pravolinijski; i nije špijunski roman niti triler iako to nekako uvek očekujemo od Grina pa se uvek iznenadimo; ne, ovo je (kao gotovo uvek kod Grina, zapravo) preispitivanje odnosa čoveka i Boga sa jednog specifično ekskatoličkog stanovišta.
Priča je konstruisana virtuozno, tako da možete lepo da se divite kako je matori lukavo postavio strukturu: s jedne strane se lagano razvija priča o banketima koje doktor Fišer priređuje samo da bi na njima ponižavao svoje (beskrajno gramzive i podle) goste, i ona vodi ka finalnom banketu, sekvenci koja je u suštini svrha cele knjige; s druge imamo "toplu ljudsku priču" odnosno tragični ljubavni odnos pripovedača (tipičan Grinov simpatični neugledni luzer) i ćerke doktora Fišera, koji su tu manje-više da drže pažnju čitaoca dok se Grin bavi onim što njega zanima: Šta da radi neko ko je beskrajno bogat a dosađuje se na smrt i uz to prezire ljudski rod u celini i celosti? Šta da radi neko ko sebe vidi kao Boga?
Odgovor doktora Fišera je na kraju nedvosmislen :)
Priča je konstruisana virtuozno, tako da možete lepo da se divite kako je matori lukavo postavio strukturu: s jedne strane se lagano razvija priča o banketima koje doktor Fišer priređuje samo da bi na njima ponižavao svoje (beskrajno gramzive i podle) goste, i ona vodi ka finalnom banketu, sekvenci koja je u suštini svrha cele knjige; s druge imamo "toplu ljudsku priču" odnosno tragični ljubavni odnos pripovedača (tipičan Grinov simpatični neugledni luzer) i ćerke doktora Fišera, koji su tu manje-više da drže pažnju čitaoca dok se Grin bavi onim što njega zanima: Šta da radi neko ko je beskrajno bogat a dosađuje se na smrt i uz to prezire ljudski rod u celini i celosti? Šta da radi neko ko sebe vidi kao Boga?
Odgovor doktora Fišera je na kraju nedvosmislen :)
January 9, 2016
Description: When the notorious toothpaste millionaire decides to hold his own deadly version of the Book of Revelations, Greene opens up a powerful vision of the limitless greed of the rich; black comedy and painful satire combine in a totally compelling novel.
Opening: I think that I used to detest Doctor Fischer more than any other man I have known just as I loved his daughter more than any other woman.
This is not to be confused with Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party is so at odds with the rest of Greene's ouevre at the outset, yet when his observations of fellow men and their weaknesses are taken into account, not so bizarre. It is an odd tale nevertheless, odd and dark and deeply cynical. Engrossing.
3* The Quiet American
4* The End of the Affair
3* The Power and the Glory
2* The Heart of the Matter
3* Our Man in Havana
4* Brighton Rock
3* The Third Man
4* Travels With My Aunt
4* The Human Factor
TR The Comedians
4* The Ministry of Fear
4* A Burnt Out Case
4* The Honorary Consul
4* Monsignor Quixote
3* A Gun for Sale
4* Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party
TR Complete Short Stories
TR The Confidential Agent
3* The Captain and the Enemy
2* The Man Within
Opening: I think that I used to detest Doctor Fischer more than any other man I have known just as I loved his daughter more than any other woman.
This is not to be confused with Dr. Strangelove or: How I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party is so at odds with the rest of Greene's ouevre at the outset, yet when his observations of fellow men and their weaknesses are taken into account, not so bizarre. It is an odd tale nevertheless, odd and dark and deeply cynical. Engrossing.3* The Quiet American
4* The End of the Affair
3* The Power and the Glory
2* The Heart of the Matter
3* Our Man in Havana
4* Brighton Rock
3* The Third Man
4* Travels With My Aunt
4* The Human Factor
TR The Comedians
4* The Ministry of Fear
4* A Burnt Out Case
4* The Honorary Consul
4* Monsignor Quixote
3* A Gun for Sale
4* Doctor Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party
TR Complete Short Stories
TR The Confidential Agent
3* The Captain and the Enemy
2* The Man Within
November 19, 2017
Read: November 2017
This was a dark little book with an insightful message about greed. The plot follows Jones, a fifty-something man living in Switzerland. Although he is steadily employed, his earnings are fairly meagre. When he marries a much younger, beautiful woman, he becomes aware of her father - Doctor Fischer - and his infamous dinner parties with the Toads; the very wealthy men and women who endure humiliation after humiliation at his hands in order to receive presents of jewels and other riches from him at the end of the party. When Jones begins to receive invites to join in at the dinners, he has to choose for himself whether to attend, and why Fischer really wants him there.
A dark and twisted, but ultimately entertaining novel.
5/5 stars.
This was a dark little book with an insightful message about greed. The plot follows Jones, a fifty-something man living in Switzerland. Although he is steadily employed, his earnings are fairly meagre. When he marries a much younger, beautiful woman, he becomes aware of her father - Doctor Fischer - and his infamous dinner parties with the Toads; the very wealthy men and women who endure humiliation after humiliation at his hands in order to receive presents of jewels and other riches from him at the end of the party. When Jones begins to receive invites to join in at the dinners, he has to choose for himself whether to attend, and why Fischer really wants him there.
A dark and twisted, but ultimately entertaining novel.
5/5 stars.
July 23, 2023
على الرغم من توافر كل السمات التي تجعلني أكره كتابا إلا إن هذا الكتاب بالفعل أعجبني
أول رواية تقع في يدي للكاتب جراهام جرين وهو كاتب إنجليزي ثرك ميراثا هائلا من الروايات والمسرحيات وحتى كتب الأطفال، ولكنه -للغرابة- غير مشهور بالنسبة لنا كعرب
وهذا الكتاب دخل مكتبتي صدفة فقد اشتريته وأنا لا أعرف ما طبيعته واشتريته بثمن زهيد فقد كنت أريد كتبا أخرى أعرفها وكان طلبي تكلفته قليلة فلم أر مانعا من أزيد الكتب واحدا
من عوالم أقرب ما يكون لعالم غريب كامو اللا مبال يأتينا بطل هذه الرواية
بشيء من الحياد والهدوء يحكي لنا قصته وقصة البغيض دكتور فيشرمن جنيف والضفادع من حوله
الضفادع هنا وصف للشخصيات البغيضة حوله في المستنقع الذي تركته وسمت بنفسها عنه إبنة د. فيشر الوحيدة المسكينة
الرواية ليس بها سوى السرد والكثير من التوقع بل ومعرفة الأحداث مسبقا ومع ذلك هي جميلة ككل ... بها أشياء أخرى قد أكرهها في غيرها من الروايات ولكنها هنا لم تضايقني كثيرا
هي عن الجشع ربما أو ربما عن علاقات الكره والاحتقار المغلفين برداء زائف من المحبة والنفاق والتملق... هي عن العلاقات الإنسانية الزائفة... بها شي من الفلسفة كذلك وشيء من الألعاب النفسية والأفكار الدينية أو الإلحادية بسبب ما ألم ببطل الرواية من أحداث
على الرغم من مقدرتي على توقع أحداث إلا أن النهاية كانت مرضية وظلت الرواية في ذهني مدة طويلة
أول رواية تقع في يدي للكاتب جراهام جرين وهو كاتب إنجليزي ثرك ميراثا هائلا من الروايات والمسرحيات وحتى كتب الأطفال، ولكنه -للغرابة- غير مشهور بالنسبة لنا كعرب
وهذا الكتاب دخل مكتبتي صدفة فقد اشتريته وأنا لا أعرف ما طبيعته واشتريته بثمن زهيد فقد كنت أريد كتبا أخرى أعرفها وكان طلبي تكلفته قليلة فلم أر مانعا من أزيد الكتب واحدا
من عوالم أقرب ما يكون لعالم غريب كامو اللا مبال يأتينا بطل هذه الرواية
بشيء من الحياد والهدوء يحكي لنا قصته وقصة البغيض دكتور فيشرمن جنيف والضفادع من حوله
الضفادع هنا وصف للشخصيات البغيضة حوله في المستنقع الذي تركته وسمت بنفسها عنه إبنة د. فيشر الوحيدة المسكينة
الرواية ليس بها سوى السرد والكثير من التوقع بل ومعرفة الأحداث مسبقا ومع ذلك هي جميلة ككل ... بها أشياء أخرى قد أكرهها في غيرها من الروايات ولكنها هنا لم تضايقني كثيرا
هي عن الجشع ربما أو ربما عن علاقات الكره والاحتقار المغلفين برداء زائف من المحبة والنفاق والتملق... هي عن العلاقات الإنسانية الزائفة... بها شي من الفلسفة كذلك وشيء من الألعاب النفسية والأفكار الدينية أو الإلحادية بسبب ما ألم ببطل الرواية من أحداث
على الرغم من مقدرتي على توقع أحداث إلا أن النهاية كانت مرضية وظلت الرواية في ذهني مدة طويلة
July 26, 2025
I'm going against the tide of public opinion and I say this is a silly book. It's not exactly overrated, but I thought it was dumb. That said, it is a definite literary work of value. But it was too juvenile and heavy handed for my taste.
"Doctor Fischer" - doctor, a healer, and 'Fischer' (a fisher of men Jesus reference), except he is a bitter upside-down version of Good, full of spite and revulsion, which is not an uncommon intellectual position to have. I feel the book's subject of greed and self-centered regard for one's moral superiority based on how wealthy one is is handled too ham-handedly and it is too clumsily written for seamless reading. The Doctor's success at creating a commercial toothpaste (which prevented rot and destruction, get it?) and made him rich did not satisfy him. His social life horrifies him so he decides to restrict it to providing dinner and breaking bread with the worst sinners (Jesus again); however group humiliation is his goal rather than saving souls for Heaven. He wants to tempt them, which puts him in the role of Satan. Finally, the Doctor has a bomb party where greed might lead to burning fire and eternal death, if people agree to participate.
Sigh. The author is hammering us with this morality tale gentle reader! Wearing a helmet is advised.
"Doctor Fischer" - doctor, a healer, and 'Fischer' (a fisher of men Jesus reference), except he is a bitter upside-down version of Good, full of spite and revulsion, which is not an uncommon intellectual position to have. I feel the book's subject of greed and self-centered regard for one's moral superiority based on how wealthy one is is handled too ham-handedly and it is too clumsily written for seamless reading. The Doctor's success at creating a commercial toothpaste (which prevented rot and destruction, get it?) and made him rich did not satisfy him. His social life horrifies him so he decides to restrict it to providing dinner and breaking bread with the worst sinners (Jesus again); however group humiliation is his goal rather than saving souls for Heaven. He wants to tempt them, which puts him in the role of Satan. Finally, the Doctor has a bomb party where greed might lead to burning fire and eternal death, if people agree to participate.
Sigh. The author is hammering us with this morality tale gentle reader! Wearing a helmet is advised.
February 6, 2017
حفلة القنبلة
أول كتاب أقرؤه لجراهام جرين، قرأت مذكراته قبل عام تقريبا ً، ولأنه من الكتاب الذين لا يرد ذكرهم كثيرا ً، حيث لا أذكر أني قرأت أو سمعت من يتحدث عنه أو عن كتبه، فلذا لم أكن متعجلا ً للتجربة، بعض الكتاب تشعر بضغط شديد للقراءة لهم، الكل يتحدث عنهم، مراجعات كتبهم في كل مكان، مع جراهام كنت مرتاحا ً، لا توقعات فلا خيبات أمل.
يمكنني القول بعد الفراغ من روايته هذه أنه من الكتاب الجيدين، لديه فكرة جديدة، وهو يرسمها بهدوء وبطريقة ذكية، فلذا سأقرأ له أكثر.
يصعب استخلاص موضوعة أساسية لهذه الرواية، يمكننا أن نقول أنها عن الجشع، يمكن أن نقول أنها عن الحب وفي نفس الوقت عن غياب الحب، يمكننا القول أنها عن الحسرة، شعور الإنسان بالضياع، وسأوضح هذا بعدما أتناول قصة الرواية في السطور التالية.
تنبيه: ما سيأتي يكشف شيئا ً من أحداث الرواية.
ألفرد جونز أرمل إنجليزي في الخمسينات من عمره، فقد يسراه عندما كان يعمل إطفائيا ً في لندن أثناء الحرب العالمية الثانية، يعيش الآن في سويسرا، حيث يعمل مترجما ً في مصنع للشوكولاتة.
تبدو لنا شخصية كهذه بلا مفاجئات، أو لنقل بلا مستقبل تقريبا ً، ولكن الروائيين لا يكفون عن الزج بشخصياتهم في العجائب من أجلنا – باركهم الله -، فلذا يجد ألفرد نفسه في علاقة حب ومن ثم زواج مع فتاة جميلة تدعى آنا لويز فيشر، ليست آنا ما يجذبنا في هذه الرواية، بل هو والدها الدكتور فيشر – للرواية عنوان آخر أو هو ربما العنوان الأصلي (الدكتور فيشر من جنيف)، ولكن العنوان الحالي أجمل -، لا تميل آنا لويز لوالدها، وتحاول إبعاد زوجها عنه، وسمعة الدكتور فيشر على كل حال لا تشجع كثيرا ً، فهو ثري كسب أمواله من اختراعه لمعجون أسنان، وسمعته السيئة تأتي من حفلاته التي يقيمها، ويحضرها مجموعة من الأثرياء، حيث يقوم الدكتور بإذلالهم بطرق مختلفة متعددة، يتحملونها مقابل هدايا قيمة يحصلون عليها نهاية الليلة.
يذهب جونز للقاء الدكتور فيشر وإبلاغه باتفاقه مع ابنته على الزواج، فيوجه له الدكتور فيشر دعوة لحضور إحدى حفلاته، وهي فكرة لا تدعمها آنا كثيرا ً، ولكن جونز يذهب ويكون شاهدا ً على ما يحدث في هذه الحفلات، ونتعرف من خلاله على الحضور وطبائعهم، بالطبع يرفض جونز الاشتراك في اللعبة، والحصول على الهدية نهاية الحفلة.
يعرف جونز قصة والدة آنا لويز التي أحبت رجلا ً جمعها به حبهما المشترك لموزارت، وعندما عرف الدكتور فيشر بهذه العلاقة، دفع لكيبس أحد الأثرياء الذين يحضرون حفلاته 50 ألف فرنك ليطرد هذا الرجل، الذي كان يعمل مستخدما ً عند كيبس، ورغم أن العلاقة بين الاثنين لم تكن إلا علاقة سماع للموسيقى إلا أن فيشر عذب والدة آنا بهذه العلاقة حتى ماتت، يعرف جونز بهذا كله عندما يلتقي بالرجل الذي يدعى شتينر في محل تسجيلات موسيقية، والذي يتعرف في ملامح آنا لويز على حبيبته القديمة، فيصاب بنوبة قلبية.
يبدو لنا الأمر وكأن الحياة ستأخذ جونز وزوجته في درب، والوالد وحفلاته الغريبة في درب آخر، ولكن يحدث حادث مفاجئ، تموت آنا لويز أثناء تزلجها على الجليد، فيدخل جونز في نوبة كآبة رهيبة، ويفكر بالانتحار، بل يحاول هذا مرة ولكنه لا ينجح.
يتلقى دعوة لحضور حفلة للدكتور فيشر، يعلن الدكتور أنها ستكون الأخيرة، في هذه الحفلة التي ستحمل اسم حفلة القنبلة، يعلن الدكتور أن الهدايا موجودة في ستة صناديق صغيرة، خمسة من هذه الصناديق تحتوي في كل منها على شيك بمليوني فرنك، بينما في السادس قنبلة، كان هذا اختبارا ً حقيقيا ً للجشع، جشع الأغنياء ورغبتهم في المزيد، لقد قبلوا على مدى طويل الإهانات، والألعاب التي كان يمارسها عليهم الدكتور فيشر، ولكن ماذا عن قنبلة؟ على غير المتوقع لا ينسحب منهم إلا شخص واحد هو كيبس، بينما يسرع البقية لسحب الصناديق وفتحها حتى لا يتبقى إلا أحدهم وهو لواء سابق وجونز وثلاثة صناديق، يقوم جونز الراغب في الانتحار بسحب صندوق، ولكنه يجد فيه شيكا ً، فيقوم بسحب الثاني فيجده شيكا ً أيضا ً، وهذا يعني أن الصندوق الأخير الذي يستقر أمام اللواء يحوي القنبلة، يعطي جونز اللواء شيكه، ويخطف الصندوق ويركض إلى البحيرة القريبة، وعندما يفتح الصندوق يجده فارغا ً، عندها يظهر له شتينر الذي خرج من المستشفى وجاء ليواجه الدكتور فيشر، ليفرغ حرقته ببصقة في وجهه، يظهر لهما فيشر وبعد حوار قصير يتركهما ويمضي، يسمعان بعدها طلقة ويجدان الدكتور وقد قتل نفسه.
كما قلت الرواية عن شجع الأغنياء الذين يحاولون جعل الأمر يبدو أسهل بالتظاهر بأن هذا كله لعب، وأن الأمر لا يعدو مزاحا ً، حتى عندما يصل الأمر إلى قنبلة قد تودي بهم، وكذا هي عن الحب الذي تسلل إلى حياة جونز، ثم غاب فخلفه على شفا رغبة هائلة في الموت، وهو عن الدكتور فيشر الذي يبدو لنا وكأنه يعاقب نفسه في تصرفاته مع الأثرياء أمثاله، لقد فقد زوجته، ماتت وهو يشعر بحسرة كبيرة لأنها وجدت عزائها في رجل آخر يشاركها شيئا ً تحبه، وهكذا تغلق الرواية على فيشر وعائلته موتى، وجونز وشتينر يسترجعان ذكريات قصتي حب لا تعودا.
أول كتاب أقرؤه لجراهام جرين، قرأت مذكراته قبل عام تقريبا ً، ولأنه من الكتاب الذين لا يرد ذكرهم كثيرا ً، حيث لا أذكر أني قرأت أو سمعت من يتحدث عنه أو عن كتبه، فلذا لم أكن متعجلا ً للتجربة، بعض الكتاب تشعر بضغط شديد للقراءة لهم، الكل يتحدث عنهم، مراجعات كتبهم في كل مكان، مع جراهام كنت مرتاحا ً، لا توقعات فلا خيبات أمل.
يمكنني القول بعد الفراغ من روايته هذه أنه من الكتاب الجيدين، لديه فكرة جديدة، وهو يرسمها بهدوء وبطريقة ذكية، فلذا سأقرأ له أكثر.
يصعب استخلاص موضوعة أساسية لهذه الرواية، يمكننا أن نقول أنها عن الجشع، يمكن أن نقول أنها عن الحب وفي نفس الوقت عن غياب الحب، يمكننا القول أنها عن الحسرة، شعور الإنسان بالضياع، وسأوضح هذا بعدما أتناول قصة الرواية في السطور التالية.
تنبيه: ما سيأتي يكشف شيئا ً من أحداث الرواية.
ألفرد جونز أرمل إنجليزي في الخمسينات من عمره، فقد يسراه عندما كان يعمل إطفائيا ً في لندن أثناء الحرب العالمية الثانية، يعيش الآن في سويسرا، حيث يعمل مترجما ً في مصنع للشوكولاتة.
تبدو لنا شخصية كهذه بلا مفاجئات، أو لنقل بلا مستقبل تقريبا ً، ولكن الروائيين لا يكفون عن الزج بشخصياتهم في العجائب من أجلنا – باركهم الله -، فلذا يجد ألفرد نفسه في علاقة حب ومن ثم زواج مع فتاة جميلة تدعى آنا لويز فيشر، ليست آنا ما يجذبنا في هذه الرواية، بل هو والدها الدكتور فيشر – للرواية عنوان آخر أو هو ربما العنوان الأصلي (الدكتور فيشر من جنيف)، ولكن العنوان الحالي أجمل -، لا تميل آنا لويز لوالدها، وتحاول إبعاد زوجها عنه، وسمعة الدكتور فيشر على كل حال لا تشجع كثيرا ً، فهو ثري كسب أمواله من اختراعه لمعجون أسنان، وسمعته السيئة تأتي من حفلاته التي يقيمها، ويحضرها مجموعة من الأثرياء، حيث يقوم الدكتور بإذلالهم بطرق مختلفة متعددة، يتحملونها مقابل هدايا قيمة يحصلون عليها نهاية الليلة.
يذهب جونز للقاء الدكتور فيشر وإبلاغه باتفاقه مع ابنته على الزواج، فيوجه له الدكتور فيشر دعوة لحضور إحدى حفلاته، وهي فكرة لا تدعمها آنا كثيرا ً، ولكن جونز يذهب ويكون شاهدا ً على ما يحدث في هذه الحفلات، ونتعرف من خلاله على الحضور وطبائعهم، بالطبع يرفض جونز الاشتراك في اللعبة، والحصول على الهدية نهاية الحفلة.
يعرف جونز قصة والدة آنا لويز التي أحبت رجلا ً جمعها به حبهما المشترك لموزارت، وعندما عرف الدكتور فيشر بهذه العلاقة، دفع لكيبس أحد الأثرياء الذين يحضرون حفلاته 50 ألف فرنك ليطرد هذا الرجل، الذي كان يعمل مستخدما ً عند كيبس، ورغم أن العلاقة بين الاثنين لم تكن إلا علاقة سماع للموسيقى إلا أن فيشر عذب والدة آنا بهذه العلاقة حتى ماتت، يعرف جونز بهذا كله عندما يلتقي بالرجل الذي يدعى شتينر في محل تسجيلات موسيقية، والذي يتعرف في ملامح آنا لويز على حبيبته القديمة، فيصاب بنوبة قلبية.
يبدو لنا الأمر وكأن الحياة ستأخذ جونز وزوجته في درب، والوالد وحفلاته الغريبة في درب آخر، ولكن يحدث حادث مفاجئ، تموت آنا لويز أثناء تزلجها على الجليد، فيدخل جونز في نوبة كآبة رهيبة، ويفكر بالانتحار، بل يحاول هذا مرة ولكنه لا ينجح.
يتلقى دعوة لحضور حفلة للدكتور فيشر، يعلن الدكتور أنها ستكون الأخيرة، في هذه الحفلة التي ستحمل اسم حفلة القنبلة، يعلن الدكتور أن الهدايا موجودة في ستة صناديق صغيرة، خمسة من هذه الصناديق تحتوي في كل منها على شيك بمليوني فرنك، بينما في السادس قنبلة، كان هذا اختبارا ً حقيقيا ً للجشع، جشع الأغنياء ورغبتهم في المزيد، لقد قبلوا على مدى طويل الإهانات، والألعاب التي كان يمارسها عليهم الدكتور فيشر، ولكن ماذا عن قنبلة؟ على غير المتوقع لا ينسحب منهم إلا شخص واحد هو كيبس، بينما يسرع البقية لسحب الصناديق وفتحها حتى لا يتبقى إلا أحدهم وهو لواء سابق وجونز وثلاثة صناديق، يقوم جونز الراغب في الانتحار بسحب صندوق، ولكنه يجد فيه شيكا ً، فيقوم بسحب الثاني فيجده شيكا ً أيضا ً، وهذا يعني أن الصندوق الأخير الذي يستقر أمام اللواء يحوي القنبلة، يعطي جونز اللواء شيكه، ويخطف الصندوق ويركض إلى البحيرة القريبة، وعندما يفتح الصندوق يجده فارغا ً، عندها يظهر له شتينر الذي خرج من المستشفى وجاء ليواجه الدكتور فيشر، ليفرغ حرقته ببصقة في وجهه، يظهر لهما فيشر وبعد حوار قصير يتركهما ويمضي، يسمعان بعدها طلقة ويجدان الدكتور وقد قتل نفسه.
كما قلت الرواية عن شجع الأغنياء الذين يحاولون جعل الأمر يبدو أسهل بالتظاهر بأن هذا كله لعب، وأن الأمر لا يعدو مزاحا ً، حتى عندما يصل الأمر إلى قنبلة قد تودي بهم، وكذا هي عن الحب الذي تسلل إلى حياة جونز، ثم غاب فخلفه على شفا رغبة هائلة في الموت، وهو عن الدكتور فيشر الذي يبدو لنا وكأنه يعاقب نفسه في تصرفاته مع الأثرياء أمثاله، لقد فقد زوجته، ماتت وهو يشعر بحسرة كبيرة لأنها وجدت عزائها في رجل آخر يشاركها شيئا ً تحبه، وهكذا تغلق الرواية على فيشر وعائلته موتى، وجونز وشتينر يسترجعان ذكريات قصتي حب لا تعودا.
June 6, 2022
This book is utterly brilliant.
This is the story of Dr Fischer, the toothpaste millionaire, who despises the human race. He has disowned his only daughter who marries the narrator of the story, Alfred Jones, even though there's a sizeable age difference. Dr Fischer had no paternal instinct and alienated himself from her mother, who had a platonic friendship with a man with whom she shared a love of music. Dr Fischer paid the man's employer 50,000 Swiss Francs to fire him.
Dr Fischer invites Jones to one of his infamous parties. Fischer humiliates all the other wealthy guests who endure the withering tirade of vitriol and abuse in order to receive a gift. The greed of the rich knows no bounds. Jones refuses to join in.
After a certain tragic event, Dr Fischer holds one final party - as per the title - and again Jones is invited. Once again, the greed of the disgustingly rich is shown with withering satire and dark comedy.
There are two deaths in the book but I won't say who passes away. The ending is remarkably sad and it's fair to say none of the characters comes out of it well. This books says so much about what it takes to make people happy, but ultimately the happiness fades if it's not backed up by love.
This is the story of Dr Fischer, the toothpaste millionaire, who despises the human race. He has disowned his only daughter who marries the narrator of the story, Alfred Jones, even though there's a sizeable age difference. Dr Fischer had no paternal instinct and alienated himself from her mother, who had a platonic friendship with a man with whom she shared a love of music. Dr Fischer paid the man's employer 50,000 Swiss Francs to fire him.
Dr Fischer invites Jones to one of his infamous parties. Fischer humiliates all the other wealthy guests who endure the withering tirade of vitriol and abuse in order to receive a gift. The greed of the rich knows no bounds. Jones refuses to join in.
After a certain tragic event, Dr Fischer holds one final party - as per the title - and again Jones is invited. Once again, the greed of the disgustingly rich is shown with withering satire and dark comedy.
There are two deaths in the book but I won't say who passes away. The ending is remarkably sad and it's fair to say none of the characters comes out of it well. This books says so much about what it takes to make people happy, but ultimately the happiness fades if it's not backed up by love.
August 29, 2021
An unusual story. The plot revolves around Doctor Fischer and his dinner parties. He is wealthy and humiliates his rich guests who are their for his lavish gifts. Greed, evil and how far people are willing to go.
Jones an Englishman marries the daughter of Fischer who is estranged from him. The age gap, Jones disability of one arm and his low paying job as a chocolate salesman appeal to the daughter. Her father manipulates people psychologically and Jones gets drawn into the parties.
A tragedy occurs and the final dinner party tests the guests to the extremity of their greed. The story was good but lacked something. What was the motivation of the Doctor? The love between Jones and the young daughter seemed to me farfetched. I did like the Swiss setting and winter backdrop of the final scenes.
Jones an Englishman marries the daughter of Fischer who is estranged from him. The age gap, Jones disability of one arm and his low paying job as a chocolate salesman appeal to the daughter. Her father manipulates people psychologically and Jones gets drawn into the parties.
A tragedy occurs and the final dinner party tests the guests to the extremity of their greed. The story was good but lacked something. What was the motivation of the Doctor? The love between Jones and the young daughter seemed to me farfetched. I did like the Swiss setting and winter backdrop of the final scenes.
January 17, 2024
La corrupción que produce el dinero, o mejor dicho, la codicia, es un tema recurrente en la literatura. Es inevitable, porque la codicia y la conducta de los ricos es algo que ha existido siempre. Sin ir más lejos, en los últimos años la polémica en torno al 1% ha dado a luz a muchas películas y novelas (como Parasite, el Triángulo de la Tristeza, etc). En este caso, la novela trata justamente sobre eso, pero al ser tan breve, creo que se queda corta para describir adecuadamente lo que intentaba transmitir. No es mala, pero tampoco es de las mejores obras del autor.
February 5, 2012
This is one of Greene’s shorter novels, written later in his career, that mirror his earlier “entertainments,” but one with a moral dilemma to be resolved.
Dr. Fishcher is a self-loathing inventor of a best-selling toothpaste. He lives in seclusion in Geneva and is surrounded by a bunch of toadies, whom he takes the greatest pleasure in humiliating at his famous soirees. He rewards his guests lavishly, feeding their greed for material possessions and then wreaks his hatred on their weakness. Narrated by Jones, the unlikely hero, a maimed translator who marries Dr. Fischer’s daughter, we are introduced to Dr. Fischer’s parties which become increasingly bizarre as they progress towards an inevitable and tragic end.
Jones places himself out of reach of Dr. Fischer’s mind games as he holds the love of his younger wife above all material possessions. When she dies in a tragic accident, Jones is heartbroken, becomes suicidal and foils the doctor’s final game, the bomb party, which pits greed against life itself.
Greene paints some quirky characters in the Toads as they are called: a drunken film actor, a rich widow, a shady accountant, a former divisionnaire in the Swiss army, an international lawyer – all who are indebted to the doctor for their lifestyle. The doctor himself is a self absorbed, heartless scoundrel who cannot bother to answer the phone even when his only daughter is dying. Greene’s own experiences with Russian Roulette plays out in the climax, in which the guests are faced with the choice of taking a gamble on a rich reward in exchange for putting their lives at risk.
Dr. Fischer’s philosophy is that only those who have suffered or lost develop a soul. Well, in that case, we know that the only winner is Jones, for the others all walk away with rich financial rewards, in exchange for humiliation of their character which they do not seem to value anyway. As for Dr. Fischer, yes he too loses, but one wonders if that loss comes too late for any benefit to his soul?
And as the doctor says, “Hate isn’t contagious – it does not spread.” Therefore one could argue that Dr. Fischer was his own walking bomb, and with him out of the way his Toads are now free, free of hate, free of greed, free to return to their former lives before they were ensnared by him.
A fast-paced and easy read with all the twists and turns that one typically encounters in the murky world of Greeneland.
Dr. Fishcher is a self-loathing inventor of a best-selling toothpaste. He lives in seclusion in Geneva and is surrounded by a bunch of toadies, whom he takes the greatest pleasure in humiliating at his famous soirees. He rewards his guests lavishly, feeding their greed for material possessions and then wreaks his hatred on their weakness. Narrated by Jones, the unlikely hero, a maimed translator who marries Dr. Fischer’s daughter, we are introduced to Dr. Fischer’s parties which become increasingly bizarre as they progress towards an inevitable and tragic end.
Jones places himself out of reach of Dr. Fischer’s mind games as he holds the love of his younger wife above all material possessions. When she dies in a tragic accident, Jones is heartbroken, becomes suicidal and foils the doctor’s final game, the bomb party, which pits greed against life itself.
Greene paints some quirky characters in the Toads as they are called: a drunken film actor, a rich widow, a shady accountant, a former divisionnaire in the Swiss army, an international lawyer – all who are indebted to the doctor for their lifestyle. The doctor himself is a self absorbed, heartless scoundrel who cannot bother to answer the phone even when his only daughter is dying. Greene’s own experiences with Russian Roulette plays out in the climax, in which the guests are faced with the choice of taking a gamble on a rich reward in exchange for putting their lives at risk.
Dr. Fischer’s philosophy is that only those who have suffered or lost develop a soul. Well, in that case, we know that the only winner is Jones, for the others all walk away with rich financial rewards, in exchange for humiliation of their character which they do not seem to value anyway. As for Dr. Fischer, yes he too loses, but one wonders if that loss comes too late for any benefit to his soul?
And as the doctor says, “Hate isn’t contagious – it does not spread.” Therefore one could argue that Dr. Fischer was his own walking bomb, and with him out of the way his Toads are now free, free of hate, free of greed, free to return to their former lives before they were ensnared by him.
A fast-paced and easy read with all the twists and turns that one typically encounters in the murky world of Greeneland.
August 18, 2017
3.5 stars
Like all other Greene novels, this novel has long mystified me till I couldn't find any motive or go on reading it. In fact, I casually found it on display in some bookstores during my college years but its title looked strange, I didn't know why, it was and is a bit long, that is, it is his only one having two titles to choose, say, as you like. Its 17-chapter story explores human greed as planned by the wealthy, enigmatic Dr Fischer whose five honorary guests invited to his dinner parties include Mrs Montgomery, Mr Kips, Monsieur Belmont, Mr Richard Deene and Divisionaire Krueger. His daughter Anna-Luise who hates him for his unkind behavior to her deceased mother has eventually married Mr Jones, a widower in his fifties who works as a translator in a chocolate company.
While reading this book, we can find a good thing related to its manageable chapter lengths since in general we would read his novels with unpredictability, in other words, we tend to encounter many lengthy chapters in which we have no choice but keep reading. Therefore, I think we should take heart on this one due to the following information: 1] There are 12 chapters with less than 10 pages (#1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17), 2] 4 chapters between 10-19 pages (#9, 13, 14, 15), 3] More than 20 pages (#16).
I still found some of his uniquely-expressive grammar points invigorating and applicable, for instance:
I was very late in getting home and I cut myself shaving and nearly put on the wrong jacket with my only pair of dark trousers. ... (p. 48)
'You've forgotten me. I'm Steiner.'
'Why on earth are you here?'
'I couldn't stand it any more.'
'Stand what?'
... (p. 133)
'He made me what I am now.'
'Oh,' I said - I was impatient with the little man who had broken my solitude - 'go up there and spit. A lot of good may it do you.'
... (p. 134)
- etc.-
In brief, this novel is all right due to its compact length with unpredictably alternate short and medium chapters, that is, not too short nor to long. We can't help admiring his style of writing and sense of humor related to how to look at things even though they seem to pose imminent danger or life threatened.
Like all other Greene novels, this novel has long mystified me till I couldn't find any motive or go on reading it. In fact, I casually found it on display in some bookstores during my college years but its title looked strange, I didn't know why, it was and is a bit long, that is, it is his only one having two titles to choose, say, as you like. Its 17-chapter story explores human greed as planned by the wealthy, enigmatic Dr Fischer whose five honorary guests invited to his dinner parties include Mrs Montgomery, Mr Kips, Monsieur Belmont, Mr Richard Deene and Divisionaire Krueger. His daughter Anna-Luise who hates him for his unkind behavior to her deceased mother has eventually married Mr Jones, a widower in his fifties who works as a translator in a chocolate company.
While reading this book, we can find a good thing related to its manageable chapter lengths since in general we would read his novels with unpredictability, in other words, we tend to encounter many lengthy chapters in which we have no choice but keep reading. Therefore, I think we should take heart on this one due to the following information: 1] There are 12 chapters with less than 10 pages (#1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17), 2] 4 chapters between 10-19 pages (#9, 13, 14, 15), 3] More than 20 pages (#16).
I still found some of his uniquely-expressive grammar points invigorating and applicable, for instance:
I was very late in getting home and I cut myself shaving and nearly put on the wrong jacket with my only pair of dark trousers. ... (p. 48)
'You've forgotten me. I'm Steiner.'
'Why on earth are you here?'
'I couldn't stand it any more.'
'Stand what?'
... (p. 133)
'He made me what I am now.'
'Oh,' I said - I was impatient with the little man who had broken my solitude - 'go up there and spit. A lot of good may it do you.'
... (p. 134)
- etc.-
In brief, this novel is all right due to its compact length with unpredictably alternate short and medium chapters, that is, not too short nor to long. We can't help admiring his style of writing and sense of humor related to how to look at things even though they seem to pose imminent danger or life threatened.
November 22, 2016
A rather odd little book, though one of Greene's more serious books as opposed to his entertainments. A story of hatred, love, greed and compassion, but somehow it didn't work as well for me as other books by Greene.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
January 14, 2017
ضیافت - گراهام گرین - مترجم حسن صالحی - ویراستار رضا فرخفال - چاپ اول ترجمه فارسی 1364 - تیراژ 3000 نسخه - 167 صفحه
August 26, 2011
While this novella - my early Avon paperback edition reaches 142 pages, while I notice some other editions are @ 120, it's clearly not a novel - is deeply moral, it is also entertaining yet also deeply poignant, and never preachy in tone or sanctimonious. Written from the embittered, disillusioned, disheartened viewpoint of Mr Jones, the man who falls deeply in love with the enigmatic, sad but wonderful Anna-Luise, the only daughter of multi-millionaire, megalomaniac and entirely monstrous Doctor Fischer (rich because of a toothpaste formula), it has an easy, graceful style (as to be expected of Greene), and the tone of a fable (on greed, and questions of integrity and submission).
The opening line immediately draws you into what you know will be a compelling tale: "I think that I used to detest Doctor Fischer more than any other man I have known just as I loved his daughter more than any other woman."
It's a joy to read, and every single one of the characters is drawn so well and succinctly; one of his last works of fiction - published in 1980, he wrote only a few more thereafter - it reminded me of something Picasso apparently said once in an interview on French TV, when he was in his eighties: the interviewer asked him to draw something - anything - but quickly, without thought. A moment later, Picasso returns the piece of paper, with a wonderful little abstract line drawing. The interviewer looks admiringly, and then asks Picasso does he feel guilty that something he drew in mere moments could sell instantly for a large sum of money. Picasso replies simply, and immediately: not at all, what looks to you like mere seconds, has taken me 80+ years to do. How true.
This is a quirky work within Greene's oeuvre, as any devoted Greene fan will tell you (reminiscent in its uniqueness among his works, as The Ordeal of Gilbert Penfold is among Evelyn Waugh's) and rewards you far in excess of the little time it takes to read. Highly recommended.
The opening line immediately draws you into what you know will be a compelling tale: "I think that I used to detest Doctor Fischer more than any other man I have known just as I loved his daughter more than any other woman."
It's a joy to read, and every single one of the characters is drawn so well and succinctly; one of his last works of fiction - published in 1980, he wrote only a few more thereafter - it reminded me of something Picasso apparently said once in an interview on French TV, when he was in his eighties: the interviewer asked him to draw something - anything - but quickly, without thought. A moment later, Picasso returns the piece of paper, with a wonderful little abstract line drawing. The interviewer looks admiringly, and then asks Picasso does he feel guilty that something he drew in mere moments could sell instantly for a large sum of money. Picasso replies simply, and immediately: not at all, what looks to you like mere seconds, has taken me 80+ years to do. How true.
This is a quirky work within Greene's oeuvre, as any devoted Greene fan will tell you (reminiscent in its uniqueness among his works, as The Ordeal of Gilbert Penfold is among Evelyn Waugh's) and rewards you far in excess of the little time it takes to read. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2023
دکتر فیشر با دخترش همعقیده است. آدمهای کوچک را نمیشود تحقیر کرد. کسی که پیشخدمتی را تحقیر میکند، در واقع خودش را خوار کرده است. همانطور که جونز با پرتاب سکه مزهاش را چشید. دکتر فیشر تحقیر کردن را ناشی از ناامیدی عظیمی میداند که اکثر مردم تحملش را ندارند. میخواهد از خدا برای قدرت تحمل خودش انتقام بگیرد. اشتاینر میگوید که تحقیر برخلاف نفرت واگیردار است. وقتی شروع به تحقیر کردن میکنی، به آنجا میرسی که دنیا را تحقیر کنی. دکتر فیشر با پی بردن به این نکته که در واقع دارد خودش را خوار میکند، قدرت تحملش را از دست داد.
September 9, 2020
Celebrity status singlehandedly skewered
January 29, 2025
I have decided to divide my life into “me before reading Dr Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party” and “me after reading Dr Fischer of Geneva or The Bomb Party”. The one after is both sadder and happier for having read this beautiful book
Aware that I’m giving alot of 5* reviews, it must be the great taste of Wandsworth Oasis Charity shop book section.
Aware that I’m giving alot of 5* reviews, it must be the great taste of Wandsworth Oasis Charity shop book section.
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