The Infernal Grove

by Malcolm Muggeridge

With candor and wit the internationally-known editor and journalist records his aspirations and experiences from the early 1900s through the end of World War II

Genres: Biography, History, Autobiography, Nonfiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1974

About the author

Thomas Malcolm Muggeridge was an English journalist, author, media personality, and satirist. During World War II, he was a soldier and a spy. In the aftermath of the war, as a hugely influential London journalist, he converted to Christianity and helped bring Mother Teresa to popular attention in the West. He was also a critic of the sexual revolution and of drug use.

Reviews

[Conrad · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is ironic that almost 100 years after Muggeridge first went to the Soviet Union, people are still enamored with the idea of Communism or Socialism. It didn’t take long for him to get past his idealism and see the reality. He does have much good to say about it. His service during WWII carries the reader through the rest of the book into post-war Britain. He is quite honest about his personal shortcomings. An interesting memoir even if one cannot understand all of his French sayings.

[L Gregory Lott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the two volumes of Chronicles of Wasted Time for years and never found the time to read them until now. I was actually prompted to read them by discovering Muggeridge being used as a character in Os Guinness's book, "The Grave Digger Files." Both of the two volumes were an absolute joy to read, especially as I never knew that Malcolm Muggeridge was a member of MI6 during WWII. His prose and wit are to me excellent examples of good writing.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read volume 1 of Muggeridge's autobiography and it was brilliant. Volume 2, if possible, is even better - a true gem and an instant classic. Beautifully written and unbelievably interesting - with timeless observations studded with wisdom and acumen. What a pity the projected 3rd volume was never completed. Or perhaps it was but couldn't be published because too many people were still alive and in a position to sue!

[Stanley Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe not quite as good as Green Stick the first part of Muggeridge’s autobiography but still worth 5 stars. His discussion of his time in military intelligence is fascinating, especially his time Lourenco Marques, now called Maputo the capital of Mozambique. After reading this work, my list of books to read has significantly increased. Recommended for everyone...SLT

[Dwayne Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stabbing insight, increasing cynicism. A memoir that will leave you saddened by its lack of completion.

[J.R. Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The superb language more than makes up for the sometimes tedious chronicles of Muggeridge's wasted times set as they were in World War Two time colonial Portuguese Mozambique and Paris. London was, of course, always a part of his life, and his years in and out of that city between assignments are vividly described. Dated as these recollections are there is no denying the author's impeccable grasp of the English language, and his fundamentally interesting life highlighted by knowing, and describing, some remarkable people who went on to become rather famous.

[Larry Loftis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malcolm Muggeridge is an incredible writer and one of the most quoted. What few know is that he was an MI6 officer in WWII. Muggeridge does make a few minor errors (suggesting that MI6 director Menzies had brown eyes instead of blue, and that the German hotel in Lisbon was the "Avish" instead of the "Avis") but his prose is just a joy to read. Loved it.

[Frank Peters · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was not as gripping as the first book. Here, Muggeridge really is describing activities that appear to be a waste of time. Even the last few pages was surprisingly dull. I had expected the book to end on a high note, while instead it was a relief to be finished.

[Sybil Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writes so well. Particularly enjoyed the section on India.