ejb44's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
While I found the espionage aspect very exciting, even with a slow-burn, amidst all this I did have troubling with the lack of context. The setting of the foreign office its labyrinthine structure proved to be quite confusing. The intricate web of departments, positions, and their functions made it challenging to keep up with who held what role, and how they fit into the larger picture. This was further compounded by the frequent introduction of a multitude of male characters that seemed to come and go with ease. As a result, it was sometimes a struggle to keep track of who was who and their relevance to the unfolding plot.
While the writing style was undoubtedly a highlight, the occasionally convoluted context did hinder my ability to fully immerse myself in the story as I kept having to check who people were again. Perhaps this was intention - will I ever learn the intricacies of the spy world? Perhaps not, but knowing one white guy from the next would’ve helped. Nevertheless, The Human Factor remains an intriguing exploration of the human psyche within the world of espionage, revealing the intricate interplay of personal loyalties and the political landscape. For those who enjoy a touch of irony and a glimpse into the world of espionage, this book offers a compelling narrative.
I will, however, warn you of its language. Set in the Cold War, with many of the main characters having fought in Africa during WWII, the language is highly outdated, with remarks to the “good old days of Africa” i.e. when we controlled the land, and not the current state were in of having to watch Russia and America fight for it.
sbeerens's review
2.0
It is hard to explain why I didn't particularly enjoy this book. Earlier this year, I read Greene's The End of the Affair and thoroughly enjoyed it. Had it not been for that, I would probably never have picked up this novel in the first place, nor read it to the end.
There is nothing wrong with Greene's writing - it is easy to follow and I still love his style. It's also for his writing style I added the second star, as it doesn't deserve any less than that.
Therefore I must admit my low rating is solely based on the fact that the story itself just didn't appeal to me. There are too many characters that one never really gets to know well (Daintry's family members, C., Hargreaves) and that only complicate the story line. The hierarchy of the entire secret service remained a mystery to me, as did that of the communists. Maybe Greene has done this on purpose, but it confused me a great deal at times.
Some plot turns in the end might have resulted in me giving this book a 3 star rating after all, but as it's an open ending and the reader knows nothing about what will happen to any of the characters, this spoilt the fun for me again.
I guess others might like this book, but it's simply not for me.
There is nothing wrong with Greene's writing - it is easy to follow and I still love his style. It's also for his writing style I added the second star, as it doesn't deserve any less than that.
Therefore I must admit my low rating is solely based on the fact that the story itself just didn't appeal to me. There are too many characters that one never really gets to know well (Daintry's family members, C., Hargreaves) and that only complicate the story line. The hierarchy of the entire secret service remained a mystery to me, as did that of the communists. Maybe Greene has done this on purpose, but it confused me a great deal at times.
Some plot turns in the end might have resulted in me giving this book a 3 star rating after all, but as it's an open ending and the reader knows nothing about what will happen to any of the characters, this spoilt the fun for me again.
I guess others might like this book, but it's simply not for me.
paul_cornelius's review
3.0
In this novel, it seems that Greene emphasizes its protagonist's (Castle) ever building frustration with confinement. This is true whether it be his past, his childhood or time in South Africa, his marriage, his mother, or his sense of debt to someone who once helped his African wife escape the apartheid authorities. But wherever he run, the walls simply close in further. Finally, at the end, in Moscow, his world has become so small and barren that he is only left to face himself in the mirror. Alone and defeated.
On one side note: the fate of Buller was immensely satisfying.
On one side note: the fate of Buller was immensely satisfying.
ronanmcd's review
5.0
An engrossing espionage thriller in the middle of the cold war.
Is the greater morality in being obedient to the laws and rules of a system that's cruel or in aiding those who go against it? The anti-hero helps the Russians as they go against apartheid south Africa. In doing so he abandons the UK and their support for South Africa as a nuclear power. But Castle is just a cog in the machine and despite his protestations and setting his boundaries, he is dragged deeper.
He interestingly sees British security as a nationalist concern with no internationalist outlook. This written as Britain entered the EEU, and with characters who 30 years earlier had defeated fascist nationalism in Europe.
The final paragraphs and their realisation that one's actions can have much wider unintended consequences are a real kicker.
Is the greater morality in being obedient to the laws and rules of a system that's cruel or in aiding those who go against it? The anti-hero helps the Russians as they go against apartheid south Africa. In doing so he abandons the UK and their support for South Africa as a nuclear power. But Castle is just a cog in the machine and despite his protestations and setting his boundaries, he is dragged deeper.
He interestingly sees British security as a nationalist concern with no internationalist outlook. This written as Britain entered the EEU, and with characters who 30 years earlier had defeated fascist nationalism in Europe.
The final paragraphs and their realisation that one's actions can have much wider unintended consequences are a real kicker.
paulataua's review
3.0
There has been a leak in the government office and Castle and Davis are very much the suspected double agents. Sometimes you just want a good story well told and Greene is often my go to author at times like that. I hadn’t read this for decades and this time it felt less strong than before with less of an engaging story than one would want. With just two suspects one limits possibilities. An enjoyable read, but not up there with his best novels. Still and all, it is very difficult to be disappointed by Graham Greene.
caitykk's review
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
emily1602's review
Wow, I really liked this! Possibly the first book I have ever read where the protagonist shoots a dog and is supposed to remain sympathetic (which he did, I still liked him after the dog shooting thing). The main character is Castle, a spy who has a desk job with MI5 in London but is secretly working for the Russians, and helping them more than he realizes. The first three-quarters are subdued, with an undercurrent of menace. The desk job is boring but stressful. The slow beginning makes it more believable when people start getting poisoned and sneaking across borders wearing disguises. Also, the uncertainty of everyone involved makes it more believable. No one knows everything that is happening, no one manages to pull off a grand plan. They don't act like suave spies. Because the characters were believable as people, I got super emotionally invested. Reminded me of The Americans. But that show went on for too long; this ended in the right place.
bundy23's review
2.0
Dull and confusing. I skimmed though the 2nd half as it just wasn't interesting enough. The final few pages were quite good though.