Reviews

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene

Only show reviews with written explanations

dogpro's review against another edition

2.0

I find it a bit weird.
Having read the synopsis, I thought it will be a piece describing adultery, lust, sex and an unhappy marriage. But, nope. It was nothing of that sort. It was almost like a man's diary, the whole book was filled with his thoughts, his feelings. Everything was about him.
The diary of Sarah was so vague.
Everything is vague.

qualitamatic's review

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

nate_meyers's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Of Graham Greene's four "Catholic books," End of the Affair is the most philosophical. There are beautiful passages dealing with hate requiring love (and vice-versa), the path to God being through pain, and the necessity of God being physical - more than just a vapor. Further, parts 3 and 4 (Sarah's diary and death, respectively) are among the best of Greene's writing. I realize that many readers may be upset at how Graham concludes the book in part 5 - with a series of miracles that prove the existence of God within the philosophical framework of the book. But I wasn't bothered by this ending and, if anything, it's still unclear to the reader if Bendrix will 'give in to God' or continue in his denial. I look forward to rereading this book throughout the years

matildemelob's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

Gostei do começo e do fim do livro, no meio achei um pouco aborrecido.

dianaj23's review against another edition

Go to review page

2.0

This is not a story about love, it's a story about jealousy and the twisted mind of a self-absorbed man. The kind of book that can be a very damaging read for teenage girls, if it tells them that's how love is supposed to be.

Bendrix, a modestly successful writer is masochistic, morbidly jealous and wallowing in misery, the standard portrait of a writer in literature. His love is a married woman with childhood traumas, who's constantly doubting her self-worth but is always in pursuit of her identity, despite the obstacles placed along by those she loves the most. She's also more or less tortured by the man she loves who, despite her persistence and desperation, won't leave her alone even when she's truly sick. No, instead he stalks her through the city without saying a thing - even though she's really sick and it's raining outside, steals her diary and tries to constantly manipulate her into running away with him.

They both embark on an affair whose ending you could half see it coming from the beginning. It's the kind of story that makes you want to hit the characters in the head with the spine of the book you're reading. Repeatedly.

I guess I can understand the author's intention to depict a damaged couple, to insist about the imperfection of love and how it could never live for long in the ideal mindset we have prepared for it. But I cannot forgive him for giving his main character such liberty to abuse the object of his affection. I also cannot forgive him the barely there characterization of the cheated husband.

joshgauthier's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

A little heavily philosophical at points, especially early on, Greene's book is overall a well-crafted novel which manages to bring to the forefront the conflicting personalities, beliefs, and struggles of its characters. While not always completely relatable, the characters are vivid and engaging throughout this relatively short, non-linear story. Throughout the quiet but gripping narrative, Greene demonstrates clear technical talent as well as an ability to examine many human questions related to love, loss, faith, and life.