39 pages 1 hour read

Graham Greene

The Heart of the Matter

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1948

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Christian literature

Topics

Religion / Spirituality

History: African

History: World

Period

Colonialism / Postcolonialism

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride

Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality