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51 pages 1 hour read

Graham Greene

The Power and the Glory

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1940

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In The Power and the Glory, the whisky priest is fleeing fierce persecution in 1930s Mexico after the Catholic Church is outlawed. Pursued by a zealous lieutenant, he wanders through villages, offering sacraments and grappling with his faith and moral failings. Despite the danger, he remains dedicated to his priestly duties, even as his presence risks the well-being of those he meets. The book contains racial stereotypes and uses outdated terminology.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene is praised for its compelling exploration of faith, sin, and redemption set against the backdrop of religious persecution in Mexico. Critics highlight Greene's masterful prose and deep character development. However, some find its bleak tone and slow pacing challenging. This nuanced novel offers profound themes but demands patient readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Power and the Glory?

A reader who would enjoy The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene likely appreciates intricate character studies and moral complexities. Fans of works like The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky or The Stranger by Albert Camus, which explore human frailty and redemption, will find it compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years