Old Books, New Readers discussion

The selection this month is The End of the Affair by Graham Greene. Post your thoughts, discussions, and views on this thread. Enjoy Reading, La Tonya 📚

Suggested Reading Schedule:

Introduction by Michael Gorra and Suggestions for Further Reading - November 1 - 7

Book One and Book Two - November 8 - November 14

Book Three and Book Four - November 15 - November 21

Book Five - November 22 - November 30

I am enjoying this read even though I have to read sentences two or three times to make sure I understand what is going on. The setting is taking place in London after WWII . The main character Maurice Bendrix is an author; therefore, it speaks like an author when he not writing his novels. I like the prose in the book.....

Quote:

The increasing ease of the laws governing divorce, the writings of Freud, even the novelist's own growing freedom to depict sexual life - all of these began to make the obstacles to happiness seem personal and psychological, not social or legal.

Sarah is married to Henry. She had a three year affair with Maurice Bendrix. After a bombing, that almost killed him she promised God if he lived she would end the affair. He lived. She ended the affair and is miserable. She has tried to have other affairs but they are not enjoyable. Is God punishing her? Is God real? Richard Smythe a rationalist does not think there is a God. Henry does not believe in God.


Quote:

'Orange-squash,' the boy said firmly: again the long pause and 'please' as she went through the door.

But despair can always produce an answer and despair asked me now: Would you so much rather it was love and not lust?

It's a strange thing to discover and to believe that you are loved, when you know that there is nothing in you for anybody but a parent or a God to love.

Quote:

'Can you explain away love too? I asked.
'Oh yes,' he said. "The desire to possess in some, like avarice: in others the desire to surrender, to lose the sense of responsibility, the wish to be admired. Sometimes just the wish to be able to talk, to unburden yourself to someone who won't be bored. The desire to find again a father or a mother. And of course under it all the biological motive.

Follow the link to read my review:

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

I did enjoy this novel.... It was a very good read....

Enjoy Reading,
La Tonya 📚