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rainbowbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
I think this may be one of my favorite stories ever. Love, obsession, faith, doubt all come together to give us a glimpse of humanity's best and worst. I will never forget seeing the Ralph Fiennes/ Julianne Moore movie and gasping when I learned why the affair ended, but reading the book, as is usually the case, gave me a deeper understanding of all the characters.
gmd_84's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Slightly self indulgent - well written and fairly gripping.
pbraue13's review against another edition
4.0
"The End of the Affair" by Graham Greene is a masterpiece of modern literature that delves deep into the complexities of love, loss, and faith. Set against the backdrop of World War II-era London, Greene weaves a gripping tale of passion, betrayal, and redemption.
One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Greene's exquisite prose. His writing is evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into the tumultuous world of his characters with every word. From the vivid descriptions of wartime London to the intimate moments shared between lovers, Greene's imagery is both haunting and beautiful.
At the heart of the novel is the intense and tumultuous love affair between Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles. Their relationship is portrayed with raw honesty, capturing the highs of passion and the lows of jealousy and betrayal. Through their story, Greene explores the complexities of human emotion and the often destructive nature of desire.
What sets "The End of the Affair" apart is its exploration of faith and spirituality. As the characters grapple with their own beliefs and doubts, Greene raises profound questions about the nature of love, God, and the meaning of life. This spiritual dimension adds depth and richness to the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere love story.
Ultimately, "The End of the Affair" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Greene's masterful storytelling and profound insights make this book a timeless classic, deserving of its place among the greatest works of literature.
4/5 stars
One of the most striking aspects of this novel is Greene's exquisite prose. His writing is evocative and lyrical, drawing readers into the tumultuous world of his characters with every word. From the vivid descriptions of wartime London to the intimate moments shared between lovers, Greene's imagery is both haunting and beautiful.
At the heart of the novel is the intense and tumultuous love affair between Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles. Their relationship is portrayed with raw honesty, capturing the highs of passion and the lows of jealousy and betrayal. Through their story, Greene explores the complexities of human emotion and the often destructive nature of desire.
What sets "The End of the Affair" apart is its exploration of faith and spirituality. As the characters grapple with their own beliefs and doubts, Greene raises profound questions about the nature of love, God, and the meaning of life. This spiritual dimension adds depth and richness to the narrative, elevating it beyond a mere love story.
Ultimately, "The End of the Affair" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Greene's masterful storytelling and profound insights make this book a timeless classic, deserving of its place among the greatest works of literature.
4/5 stars
whatstavreads's review against another edition
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
anna_wills's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
marthahope's review against another edition
4.0
Really lovely book. I would have liked it to be slightly longer as I didn't feel like I got to know the characters as well as I'd like to. I read that Greene had intended to write more but instead ended it almost 100 pages or so less than planned. However, it was extremely moving and deeply emotional. A beautiful side to the bitterness of jealousy, love and loss.
raoulgonzo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
stockholm_syndrome's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
abbeyhar103's review against another edition
4.0
What a weird book. Very dark. I didn't expect the extremely religious turn, and wasn't sure what to make of it. I think that if smythe hadn't been cured,I would have just found it eerie, but it ended up ending on a slight preachy note instead. A good book about love and obsession and grief and where they can take us. I would like to read more by him, and to find out how much of this was fiction and how much was autobiographical. This review sucks