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oceanwriter's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Even though this book is a mere 160 pages, I took months to get through it — in a good way! I read Graham Greene’s The Power and the Glory last year and the experience hadn’t been what I’d hoped it would be. I lowered my expectations this time and tried not to make any assumptions about the plot based solely on passing comments.
At a glance, this book is about the romance of Maurice Bendrix and Sarah Miles. The two maintain an affair for a few years before Sarah suddenly ends it. Maurice is riddled with hatred for her to the point of obsession. Through a private investigator, he acquires Sarah’s diary where he discovers the true reason for her breaking off their relationship.
Delving deeper into the plot, this story is very much centered on themes of spirituality and conversion. Most of the characters consider themselves atheists at the beginning of the story, but through the most unexpected ways (namely, through Sarah), they begin to believe in God. Whether they embrace this revelation or not is the question.
I felt that the first half of the book (roughly) was a painfully slow build, yet I remained transfixed on it. I found myself putting off reading time for when I was up for listening (how could I resist the narration by Colin Firth?) and reading along. The last few chapters are where it shone, at least for me, and even though my journey is far different from the characters, I felt oddly connected to them. I loved the rawness of Sarah’s diary as she battled herself over her belief in God, desperately torn between want and need. I feel like most modern-day novels containing themes of Christianity wouldn’t dare tread the line Graham Greene did in this novel. I feel as though the impact is greater when you’re dealing with imperfect characters and aren’t left with a neat and tidy ending. This book will have a lasting impression on me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and War
Minor: Stalking, Abandonment, and Alcohol
elysh_kaye's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, I wasn't really expecting to. I really liked how the story was structured so as we read both sides of the affair, but only after all these assumptions are made. My favourite aspect of this book is the writing style, it was a little over-the-top in some parts, but I still really liked it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Stalking