51 pages • 1 hour read
The Power and the Glory
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • 1930s
1940
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Power and the Glory, the whisky priest is fleeing fierce persecution in 1930s Mexico after the Catholic Church is outlawed. Pursued by a zealous lieutenant, he wanders through villages, offering sacraments and grappling with his faith and moral failings. Despite the danger, he remains dedicated to his priestly duties, even as his presence risks the well-being of those he meets. The book contains racial stereotypes and uses outdated terminology.
Melancholic
Dark
Mysterious
Contemplative
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
43,907 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene is praised for its compelling exploration of faith, sin, and redemption set against the backdrop of religious persecution in Mexico. Critics highlight Greene's masterful prose and deep character development. However, some find its bleak tone and slow pacing challenging. This nuanced novel offers profound themes but demands patient readers.
Who Should Read The Power and the Glory?
A reader who would enjoy The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene likely appreciates intricate character studies and moral complexities. Fans of works like The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky or The Stranger by Albert Camus, which explore human frailty and redemption, will find it compelling.
43,907 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Lieutenant
The Lieutenant
An unnamed officer tasked with capturing the whisky priest, he is a fervent believer in a secular world without religion. Despite his role as an adversary, he has a sense of morality and respect, showing kindness even towards his enemies.
The Mestizo
The Mestizo
A character of mixed heritage who acts as the whisky priest’s betrayer in the story. He is characterized by his unattractive appearance and opportunistic behavior, embodying the traits of historical racial stereotyping.
240
Novel • Fiction
Mexico • 1930s
1940
Adult
18+ years
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