Advent Book 23 – A new book from a favourite writer

Recently, I have been discovering and reading the works of Graham Greene, the most recent of which was Travels with my Aunt (see my review here). I have now read a few and I have some in my to-be-read pile and some on my audio book list waiting for my attention. I was, therefore, delighted to discover that book 23 of my Advent calendar is The Heart of the Matter which I have neither read nor own.

This book is set in a war-torn African state and is about a police officer who is honest but challenged by events, including falling in love. Most of the Greene novels I have read so far have been set in Europe or Central/South America so that’s a bit different. The book is apparently about spiritual and personal confusion which could describe many of this author’s works including The Power and The Glory (reviewed here) which has been a favourite of mine.

I can’t really say why I enjoy this author’s work so much. His characters are not like me and nor do they seem to face the same issues that I do or live in the same environment. Nevertheless I find them great reading because of how the author uses words and how his characters have to face up to mistakes, bad decisions and betrayal – it doesn’t usually work out well for them.

So, I am actively looking forward to reading this novel as it is one I would have bought for myself if I had seen it for sale. The edition sent to me has a bright and rather garish cover in which the colour red features prominently. The print is smaller than in more modern editions but I am sure it will be fine to read. The book is in good condition.