50 pages • 1 hour read
The Third Man
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Book Brief
157
Novel • Fiction
Vienna, Austria • 1940s
1949
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Third Man by Graham Greene is a thriller set in post-World War II Vienna, revolving around Rollo Martins, a writer who investigates the mysterious death of his friend Harry Lime. As Martins digs deeper, he discovers Lime's involvement in a penicillin racket, leading to a moral quandary. Themes of deception, betrayal, and the harsh realities of post-war Europe permeate the story. The book contains references to child mortality and the psychological impacts of war.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
15,605 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Third Man by Graham Greene is praised for its atmospheric portrayal of post-war Vienna and its compelling narrative. Reviewers commend the book's intricate plot and the moral complexity of its characters. Some critics find the pacing uneven and the conclusion less satisfying than expected. Overall, it remains a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Third Man?
A reader captivated by atmospheric noir, post-WWII intrigue, and moral ambiguity will enjoy Graham Greene's The Third Man. Fans of John le Carré's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Eric Ambler's Epitaph for a Spy will appreciate its suspenseful plot and richly textured, divided Vienna setting.
15,605 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Colonel Calloway
Colonel Calloway
The story’s narrator and a police detective in Vienna, who provides a factual account of the events surrounding Rollo Martins and Harry Lime.
Herr Koch
Herr Koch
Harry Lime’s neighbor in Vienna, who initially informs Rollo Martins about Lime's supposed death and later becomes tied to the conspiracy.
Harry Lime
Harry Lime
Martins’s childhood friend whose charismatic yet criminal presence drives Martins to investigate the questionable circumstances of his death.
Anna Schmidt
Anna Schmidt
An actress and Harry Lime’s loyal romantic partner, whose emotional complexity and personal history intersect with Martins's quest for the truth.
Kurtz
Kurtz
A close associate of Harry Lime, whose outward charm masks his underlying motives and involvement in Lime's schemes.
Dr. Winkler
Dr. Winkler
Harry Lime’s reticent personal physician involved in the initial uncertainties surrounding Lime's death.
Crabbin
Crabbin
A well-meaning British Cultural Relations Society bureaucrat, who mistakenly identifies Rollo Martins as a famous writer, complicating Martins's pursuit of Lime.
Cooler
Cooler
An American associate of Harry Lime, who presents a friendly demeanor while having connections to black-market dealings in Vienna.
157
Novel • Fiction
Vienna, Austria • 1940s
1949
Adult
16+ years
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