Poll

It does not look as though any of the other books are going to catch The Ministry of Fear now, so I have ordered it from the library.

I have my copy of The Ministry of Fear and will be starting it very soon. Can't wait.

Really looking forward to this discussion - see you there BYTers.

I'm about halfway through our fiction choice for May 2014...




The Ministry of Fear by Graham Greene

So far it's very intriguing and unusual, and should make for a splendid Fiction discussion in May 2014.

I have just finished our fiction choice for May 2014...




The Ministry of Fear by Graham Greene

A perfect book: accessible, clever, beautifully written, evocative, tense, and quietly profound. A palpable sense of dread and unease runs throughout the story set in the early years of World War 2 in England, primarily London.

On one level the book is a simple story of espionage, fifth columnists, and a hapless man who gets caught up in things he does not understand however there is far more to it than that. The story, which starts at a sinister fete, and rattles along from the word go, also muses on innocence, patriotism, self-delusion, psychology, memory, complexity, love, deceit and heroism.

A superb book.

5/5

Hey BYTers, the The Ministry of Fear discussion in underway....


https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

....come and get involved.



The Ministry of Fear by Graham Greene

It's a short and simple book - and very quick and easy to read. On one level it's just an exciting adventure story about espionage, fifth columnists, and a hapless man who gets caught up in things he does not understand, however there is a lot more else to discuss and enjoy too.

The story, which starts at a sinister fete, and rattles along from the word go, also muses on innocence, patriotism, self-delusion, psychology, memory, complexity, love, deceit and heroism.

Whilst there are perhaps a few slight flaws, I'm thinking mainly about the credibility of the love story at the book's heart, to dwell on this would be just nitpicking.

I'd say this is a perfect BYT era book. Beautifully written, great story, and lots to think about and discuss. Please read it.

I perceive that The Ministry of Fear is not now regarded as one of Graham Greene's best books. Brighton Rock, Our Man in Havana, and The Heart of the Matter are ones that seem to get more plaudits, however The Ministry of Fear really deserves to be more celebrated.

Here's a few questions you could try and answer if you felt so inclined...

What does The Ministry of Fear tell us about life in London during the Blitz?

To what extent does The Ministry of Fear evoke the mood of Britain during the early years of World War 2 in London?

Just how good is the book's opening chapter?

What are the books main themes? How effectively did you think they were explored?

What did you enjoy most about this book?

Why is the book not as well regarded as other books by Graham Greene?

Would the book have worked as well if the book's themes had not had the espionage plot to drive them along?

How did you feel about the compromise that will forever shape the lives of the lovers at the book's conclusion (hopefully worded to avoid any hint of a spoiler)?

And finally, a more personal question, has anyone seen the the 1944 film version of Ministry of Fear, directed by Fritz Lang and starring Ray Milland? Should I try to watch it?

Here's to an interesting and enjoyable discussion. See you over at...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...