Graham Greene discussion

I have always loved Graham Greene's work but was pleasantly surprised that my favourite so far is The Comedians. I say surprised as this seems to be a book that gets the least attention.

Initially it appealed to me as well. The premise is strong at the outset. Sharp contrast between background and foreground.

But for me, this one fell --like too many others from him --into one of the following two groups. It's always either

1. books where the plot stays lucid
2. books where the motives get lost

Group #1 are tales like "The Third Man", "The Fallen Idol", "Brighton Rock", & "This Gun for Hire".

These stories all have 'handles' which are quickly grasped. The characters are crisply defined: a hit man, a black marketer, a gangleader, an adulterer.

In all these, the opening premise (the predicament kicking off the yarn) is immediately discernable and things stay that way to the end.

Group #2 is where "The Comedians" lands. It begins with an interesting protagonist --this hotel owner, struggling to keep his feet as an island regime changes hands. But then --going against his greatest fear, (that of being targeted by the new junta) he volunteers to help a fugitive escape.

And the reason he embarks on this plan is to ...impress his mistress? In retrospect it makes no sense.

Whereas, in "The Third Man", motives remain clear, powerful, & logical at all times. Harry is a crook and must dodge the authorities. Period.

But 'Comedians' was certainly fine writing. The excellent prose took the place of a logical plot. But it also makes it a book I wouldn't return to.