39 pages • 1 hour read
The Heart of the Matter
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
Sierra Leone • 1940s
1948
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Heart of the Matter, Henry Scobie, a police officer in a British West African colony during World War II, grapples with a profound moral crisis amidst a failing marriage to his devout Catholic wife, Louise, and an adulterous relationship with the young widow Helen Rolt. Scobie’s internal conflict intensifies as he becomes entangled in shady dealings with a smuggler named Yusef. Topics include adultery and suicidal ideation.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
31,116 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Graham Greene's The Heart of the Matter is praised for its deep exploration of moral complexities and human frailty. Critics highlight Greene's skillful character development and poignant narrative. However, some find the plot pacing uneven and the tone overly somber. Overall, the novel is lauded for its profound psychological and existential insights.
Who Should Read The Heart of the Matter?
Readers who enjoy The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene are typically drawn to morally complex narratives and deep character studies. Comparable to Conrad’s Heart of Darkness and Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, this audience appreciates themes of guilt, redemption, and the human psyche intertwined with religious and existential undertones.
31,116 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
Sierra Leone • 1940s
1948
Adult
18+ years
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