Scan barcode
msand3's review against another edition
3.0
Greene’s first novel shows the promise that would be fulfilled later in his career, but is not in the top tier of his work. It feels very much like an early Daphne du Maurier novel (even though she was writing a couple years after this). In fact, the basic plot and setting (an historical novel of smugglers) reminded me a little of [b:Jamaica Inn|18869967|Jamaica Inn|Daphne du Maurier|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1386605082s/18869967.jpg|430524]. Greene relies more on psychological tension than a gothic atmospheric setting, and although the book moves at a brisk pace, he’s not quite as successful in pulling off the brooding aspect, relying much more on sentiment than Du Maurier’s work.
My biggest complaint is that so much of the novel is dialogue: discussions between Andrews and Elizabeth in the first and last sections, with a lengthy trial scene in the middle. Although the novel doesn’t really drag until the end -- Greene draws out the final meeting between Andrews and Elizabeth for a little too long -- it’s not exactly a striking or memorable novel. The psychological examinations of twinned selves and absent father figures aren’t really new or revelatory, but I admire the effort, as Greene’s themes, diction, and pacing look ahead to some of his later greater works.
Worth reading for fans of Greene, or perhaps fans of brooding, gothic-y British historical fiction, but only after you’ve read Du Maurier first.
My biggest complaint is that so much of the novel is dialogue: discussions between Andrews and Elizabeth in the first and last sections, with a lengthy trial scene in the middle. Although the novel doesn’t really drag until the end -- Greene draws out the final meeting between Andrews and Elizabeth for a little too long -- it’s not exactly a striking or memorable novel. The psychological examinations of twinned selves and absent father figures aren’t really new or revelatory, but I admire the effort, as Greene’s themes, diction, and pacing look ahead to some of his later greater works.
Worth reading for fans of Greene, or perhaps fans of brooding, gothic-y British historical fiction, but only after you’ve read Du Maurier first.
sheamussweeney's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
2.5
katspectre67's review against another edition
1.0
Kind of reassuring for those of us with weekly aspirations to know that even the well-respected Greene was a bit crap when he first started. Also exhibits a quite remarkable degree of revulsion of women, in the classic "Damned whores and god's police" mode.
I had a notion I was going to read all of Greene's novels, in order. They better improve quick, our I'm never going to make it.
I had a notion I was going to read all of Greene's novels, in order. They better improve quick, our I'm never going to make it.
More...