The Heart of the Matter | 
pickI don‘t know if you have to be a Catholic to understand the sort of overbearing way Greene can write about the Catholic God but he knocks it out of the park. This is a different look at that God than in “Power and Glory” and occasionally it‘s a bit overblown awe but it‘s still spot-on.
The women in this were a bit more real than much of his other work and on scenery, he‘s absolutely brilliant, you fall a bit in love.
pickI don‘t think I have read a Graham Greene novel since high school- a long time ago for the record. Found this one quite beautifully written although it is not a “happy” read by any means.
pickScobie, a police officer serving in West Africa, is distrusted, being scrupulously honest and immune to bribery. He falls in love but with tragic consequences. This is a terrifying depiction of a man's inner-struggle and is one of Greene's most tragic novel. It is on the 1001 books list to read before you die. I look forward to reading another of Greene's novels in the near future and recommend this book to those who classics.
#grahamgreene
Day 20 - #heartofthematter #grahamgreene #literarylove #1001bookstoread #blackhistory
Scobie is an officer in a war-torn West African state. When he is passed over for a promotion, he borrows money to send his wife away on holiday. In her absence, he falls in love with Helen, a young widow, and his life is transformed. With an inability to distinguish between love, pity and responsibility, Scobie moves towards his final damnation...
Almost forgot, my full review of The Heart of the Matter is now posted on my blog: http://www.twohectobooks.com/2018/06/40-heart-of-matter-by-graham-greene.html
so-soScobie is the deputy police commissioner in a West African coastal town during WW2. His miserable life consists of chasing after diamonds amidst pervasive corruption and trying to keep his pitiful wife Louise happy. Then things take a downhill turn...
The characters are pretty miserable, though the writing is descriptive and keeps the pages turning. I'm hoping my book discussion gives me a greater appreciation for this classic.
? The mission library - full of books with titles like "Lost and Found", "The Narrow Way" and "The Missionary's Warning". Suitable reading for children. Because god forbid they should read novels. ?
“It seemed to Scobie later that this was the ultimate border he had reached in happiness: being in darkness, alone, with the rain falling, without love or pity”
so-soThis book should've been right up my alley because Catholic guilt is one of those themes I will never get tired of. I was just pretty indifferent that in this case the Catholic guilt comes from a guy who is half-heartedly cheating on his wife.
so-soWhat a depressive read. It is the story of Scoby, police officer in a unnamed West-African country, and one of the few who is not corrupt. Until he falls in love and commits adultery. Then all becomes a web of lies which consequences he did not foresee. #1001books
Read in Forville, Belgium, while camping with friends.
'To start off happy,' Harris said. 'It must make an awful difference afterwards. Why, it might become a habit, mightn't it?'
#riotgrams Day 9: Andrea Reidenbach Scobie, sharing my name with characters by Weisberger, Doyle (close enough), and Greene. Though I've always been an Annie, never an Andy! #characterwhosharesyourname #devilwearsprada #reichenbachfalls #grahamgreene
pickAs an atheist I found this a fascinating read. I learnt a lot about Catholicism and Catholic guilt. Greene is such a powerful writer, the reader is transported to Sierra Leone, you feel the humidity, hear the cockroaches scuttling across the floor and smell the stench of rotten fish. Most of all you feel pity for a good man who is suffering a religious breakdown. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The best place to read. #readinginbed #photoadaynov16
But with open mouth (the time had come) he made one last attempt at prayer, ‘O God, I offer up my damnation to you. Take it. Use it for them,‘ and was aware of the pale papery taste of an eternal sentence on the tongue.
