From today's Writer's Almanac:
It's the birthday of novelist Graham Greene (books by this author), born in Hertfordshire, England (1904). He's the author of such novels as The Power and the Glory (1940), The End of the Affair (1951), and Our Man in Havana (1958).
The End of the Affair was inspired in part by Greene's own extramarital affairs. His London home was bombed one night during the Blitz. Greene would surely have been killed — except that he was spending the night with his mistress. As his wife later remarked, "His life was saved because of his infidelity."
This author birthday is especially notable since I have just started listening to The End of the Affair narrated by Colin Firth. The novel was a book club selection nearly ten years ago, but it didn't leave much of an impression. The audio is a different experience entirely!
Interesting! I've never read anything by Greene and I usually don't listen to audio. But I might give this a try sometime!
ReplyDeleteMissy - Colin Firth makes it all worth while;-)
DeleteOk, I'm sold! :-O ha!
DeleteI just started his The Human Factor yesterday. :)
ReplyDeleteCarrie - Will be curious to hear how you like it...
DeleteHappy birthday, Mr. Greene! Glad to hear that you enjoy the audiobook, JoAnn. Especially considering the narrator, I don't see how anyone wouldn't :)
ReplyDeleteIvana - Ha! How could anyone NOT love listening to Colin Firth?
DeleteI did not have a good experience with The End of the Affair. Although, I do appreciate it more NOW than I did when I was grinding through it. I sure wish I would have done the audio route. Firth would have soothed any of my issues I think.
ReplyDeleteSandy - Colin Firth can soothe just about anything!
DeleteSometimes a good audio rendition of a book does the trick :) I'll have to download it via Audible then!
ReplyDeleteChinoiseries - A good reader really can make a world of difference, and Colin Firth is an excellent reader!
DeleteI've been meaning to read The End of the Affair --forever. Happy Birthday Big Guy!
ReplyDeleteDiane - My advice is to go straight for the audio with this one!
DeleteI downloaded The End of the Affair as soon as you sent out the link !! I watched the movie and loved it. Can't wait to listen to Colin!
ReplyDeleteStaci - Oh, I forgot about the movie! Will watch it when I'm done listening.
DeleteI usually avoid his more romantic work but I love his espionage/war related stuff. Our Man in Havana is hystierical. I can also recommend The Power and the Glory and The Quiet American.
ReplyDeleteC.B. James - Thanks for the recommendations. I've been curios about The Quiet American - have just added it to my wish list.
DeleteSomeday I will read a Graham Greene. Someday.
ReplyDeleteSoftdrink - Listening to Colin Firth is a pretty painless way to begin ;-)
DeleteI've read a few of Greene's books and enjoyed them, especially
ReplyDeleteThe Quiet American and Brighton Rock. I read The End of the Affair several years ago. It was okay, a little slow going at times. I'd really like to listen to the audio with Colin Firth!
I look forward to these birthday posts!
Thank you!
Amy - Another recommendation for The Quiet American! I've added it to my wish list, and am glad to know you enjoy these birthday posts.
DeleteI'm in the Graham Greene Reading Challenge hosted by Books and Movies. Have signed up to read three, so far finished The End of the Affair and The Quiet American. Listening to Colin Firth's reading The End of the Affair gives me a whole new perspective. I'm amazed, yes, most impressed by his distinguishing the various characters just by some slight changes in his voice, expressions, and inflections. I can tell who's talking, naturally. And, he brings all the characters up close to me... what a talent he is. I still have one more GG title to read... any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteArti - I'm so glad you're enjoying The End of the Affair audio. I like it MUCH more than than reading the book! This is the only Greene I've read, but there have been several other recommendations in the comments.
DeleteTravels With My Aunt is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Thomas. I've added Travels With My Aunt to the list.
DeleteI'm loving Colin Firth's reading of The End of the Affair--can't thank you enough for pointing it out on audible. I can see myself listening to this one a few times over. Other than this, I haven't read anything by Graham Greene.
ReplyDeleteTrish - I'll definitely listen to it again, too - Colin Firth is amazing!
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