The Heart of the Matter in Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

Feb 09, 2009 Kecia rated it really liked it

Shelves: 1001-books, times_100_best, africa

When you finish the last sentence of the last page, it becomes clear that every word in this short novel was absolutely essential. That kind of writing leaves me breathless. Set in colonial Sierra Leone during WWII the story is heavy like a humid tropical rain.

Being a Unitarian I had a hard time connecting with Scobie's Catholic beliefs. I honestly wanted to shake the guy at times....Yes, yes you are going to break someone's heart, but it will be ok. You messed up! Admit it fella and go on! Sadl ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Aug 15, 2020 Heather rated it really liked it

This novel did not disappoint with setting the time and place with vivid details, and creation of a plot that feels timeless. I am a fan of Greene, and this book reminded me why I love his writing.

1 like · Like · see review

Mar 25, 2017 Anna rated it liked it · review of another edition

Przeczytałam jako pozycję z listy klasyków. Mimo, że nie przepadam za tzw. klasykami lub tzw. must-reads-of-whole-time, przeczytanie książki Grahama Greene'a poszło mi lekko. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Nov 27, 2008 Jacob rated it it was amazing

This book pretty much crushed my soul. It's my favorite Greene novel thus far. ...more

Like · see review

Apr 29, 2008 Inder rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction, 1001-books, 20th-century, colonial-postcolonial, audiobooks, africa, read-2014

Wowsa. An excellent novel, incredibly challenging, and absolutely engrossing, especially to those of us who are fascinated by ethics and what turns good people towards corruption. Ultimately, this is a really stunning depiction of "human nature" in all of its ugly messiness and with those rare beautiful moments. I'll be pondering this novel for a while, I can tell. Not a light or happy read, but I definitely recommend. ...more

Like · see review