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smithyjosh22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
sad
tense
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
4.0
Graham Greene's Brighton Rock grips the reader from the opening pages, where a journalist is murdered by a ruthless teenage mob leader named Pinkie. The mystery surrounding the death unfolds as Pinkie, who the author generally refers to as just "The Boy" desperately tries to silence the only witness, a waitress named Rose. But a twist of fate throws him into the path of Ida, a strong-willed woman determined to expose the truth.
This is more than just a crime thriller. Greene masterfully explores themes of morality and faith through the contrasting beliefs of Pinkie, a guilt-ridden Catholic raised in poverty, Rose, a young woman with a surprisingly strong will, and Ida, a pragmatic outsider. Pinkie's worldview is harsh, shaped by violence and a distorted view of women evident in his treatment of Rose. He constantly underestimates her intelligence, believing her to be naive. However, we later learn that Rose knew Pinkie was a murderer all along, but her twisted love for him blinds her to his actions.
Pinkie's faith is a source of torment. He believes in death and damnation, unsure of heaven's existence but convinced of his own hellish fate. This nihilism fuels his violence; he sees no moral consequence for his actions as he's already damned. Rose, on the other hand, clings to the idea of heaven and repentance. However, when she becomes entangled with Pinkie, he becomes her warped version of God. After they have sex outside of wedlock, she feels a perverse sense of freedom, believing she's already committed a mortal sin and is beyond redemption.
Ida stands in stark contrast to both. Older and experienced, she claims a clear moral compass. An atheist who sees herself as the arbiter of justice, she relentlessly pursues Pinkie. While her actions may have caused more deaths and worsened Rose's situation, she ultimately congratulates herself on saving Rose, who ironically didn't desire saving.
The novel excels in exploring these complex characters and their moral struggles. However, the pacing can be uneven. While the first half grips the reader with suspense, the latter part spends considerable time detailing the internal struggles of secondary characters like Cubitt, Dallow, and Mr. Prewitt, including an unnecessary subplot involving Dallow's affair with Frank's wife Judy. While these elements add layers to the setting, they can detract from the central narrative's momentum, particularly during the climax.
Overall, Brighton Rock is a compelling read despite some pacing issues. Greene's masterful storytelling and exploration of profound themes make it a rewarding experience for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of suspense.
This is more than just a crime thriller. Greene masterfully explores themes of morality and faith through the contrasting beliefs of Pinkie, a guilt-ridden Catholic raised in poverty, Rose, a young woman with a surprisingly strong will, and Ida, a pragmatic outsider. Pinkie's worldview is harsh, shaped by violence and a distorted view of women evident in his treatment of Rose. He constantly underestimates her intelligence, believing her to be naive. However, we later learn that Rose knew Pinkie was a murderer all along, but her twisted love for him blinds her to his actions.
Pinkie's faith is a source of torment. He believes in death and damnation, unsure of heaven's existence but convinced of his own hellish fate. This nihilism fuels his violence; he sees no moral consequence for his actions as he's already damned. Rose, on the other hand, clings to the idea of heaven and repentance. However, when she becomes entangled with Pinkie, he becomes her warped version of God. After they have sex outside of wedlock, she feels a perverse sense of freedom, believing she's already committed a mortal sin and is beyond redemption.
Ida stands in stark contrast to both. Older and experienced, she claims a clear moral compass. An atheist who sees herself as the arbiter of justice, she relentlessly pursues Pinkie. While her actions may have caused more deaths and worsened Rose's situation, she ultimately congratulates herself on saving Rose, who ironically didn't desire saving.
The novel excels in exploring these complex characters and their moral struggles. However, the pacing can be uneven. While the first half grips the reader with suspense, the latter part spends considerable time detailing the internal struggles of secondary characters like Cubitt, Dallow, and Mr. Prewitt, including an unnecessary subplot involving Dallow's affair with Frank's wife Judy. While these elements add layers to the setting, they can detract from the central narrative's momentum, particularly during the climax.
Overall, Brighton Rock is a compelling read despite some pacing issues. Greene's masterful storytelling and exploration of profound themes make it a rewarding experience for readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with a touch of suspense.
nichecase's review against another edition
3.0
the biggest comparison, to my mind, for this book is killing eve: both are intimate portraits of abnormal psychologies, wrapped around a murder (and a murderer) which entails more killings. iЃEЂЃEd be super surprised if this book hadnЃEЂЃEt been read by someone involved in killing eve - the similarities are all there. itЃEЂЃEs only some of the thematic questions explored that are different.
killing eve is better, of course, but this is still really good.
killing eve is better, of course, but this is still really good.
sledge_hm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
galaheadh's review against another edition
this Graham Greene character sure can write - an unpleasant book in many ways (some intentional, some i assume not) but packs a punch and a half
read it on holidays because my accommodation has a whole wall of books and why not try out some famous authors when the opportunity presents itself
read it on holidays because my accommodation has a whole wall of books and why not try out some famous authors when the opportunity presents itself
jess_mango's review against another edition
3.0
My 2nd Graham Greene book this month! Thanks to the 1001 group here on goodreads, I've read this one and [b:The Power and the Glory|3690|The Power and the Glory|Graham Greene|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388210459l/3690._SY75_.jpg|1036817], both of which were monthly picks for that group. I have to say that while I can appreciate Greene's writing skill, I didn't connect with either book as much as I would've liked. This book centered on Pinkie, a bit of a ruffian, spending time and getting into trouble in Brighton, UK.
danielsmith1's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
reintje69's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
warrenl's review against another edition
5.0
To date I have read exactly half of Graham Greene's novels, encompassing Stamboul Train through Doctor Fischer of Geneva. There is an observable arc as his powers build from the early thrillers, peaking with such great classics as The Power And The Glory, The Heart of the Matter and The Quiet American, then declining through the series of low energy novellas with which John le Carré describes Greene completing his shelf.
In Brighton Rock I discern the stirrings of that great power which brings me back to Greene over and over. It's unquestionably the darkest Greene I have read so far. The dichotomous, tormented Pinkie is a frightening creation. It's a blessing this novel is only 250 or so pages long. Many more would result in too much time spent with Pinkie. Nobody escapes Pinkie's company intact.
Brighton Rock ends with quite possibly the most devastating final sentence of any novel, ever.
In Brighton Rock I discern the stirrings of that great power which brings me back to Greene over and over. It's unquestionably the darkest Greene I have read so far. The dichotomous, tormented Pinkie is a frightening creation. It's a blessing this novel is only 250 or so pages long. Many more would result in too much time spent with Pinkie. Nobody escapes Pinkie's company intact.
Brighton Rock ends with quite possibly the most devastating final sentence of any novel, ever.
madding78's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75