The Man Within by Graham Greene

Graham Greene was one of the greatest novelists of the 20th century, shortlisted several times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. His over 25 novels explored moral and political issues to literary acclaim, and included successful 'entertainments' - almost all of his novels have been filmed.

This first novel earned praise, but his next two were failures he disowned. Stamboul Train in 1932 brought assured success, followed by such classics as The Third Man, The End of the Affair, Brighton Rock, Ministry of Fear, The Quiet American, Our Man In Havana, Travels With My Aunt, This Gun For Hire, and Confidential Agent.

"Hunted by his foes, Haunted by his fear."

Andrew was a cargo ship sailor like his father, always needled by the crew for never measuring up. Their cargo was spirits from France when Andrew sent an anonymous letter informing the authorities when they would land, branding him an informer, a traitor, a Judas.

In the melee of arrival, Andrew and the crew scatter into the night, but an official was shot and six men captured. Escaping into the misty countryside, Andrew comes upon the cottage where young Elizabeth lives alone after her mother died. Persued by ship captain Carlyon, once his close friend, Andrew hides overnight and she even dissuades Carlyon off his track. Andrew and Elizabeth quickly fall deeply in love. The six crew all charged with murder claim they were not even there, and Elizabeth convinces Andrew to return to London for the court case and name the men - lest they pursue him all his life. If the men are freed, Andrew will not only be hunted by the men he betrayed, but will also attack Elizabeth unless he can stop them.

Not very successful, this is an amateur mix of manhunt with a court case, adds in a romance, and inevitable tragedy of fate. Written in 1929, it clearly seems a first novel, the language and style of the day very stilted. Andrew's verbose ruminations seem endless. Greene went on to create many classic novels but I found this disappointing. I am sure it has its admirers but this, despite the rather exciting synopsis, was hard to finish.

The Man Within was filmed in 1947 with Michael Regrave as The Smugglers.

1929 / Paperback / 216 pages