The End of the Affair

by Graham Greene
The End of the Affair cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10461
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • Publisher: London Heinemann [1951]
  • Published: 1951-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

The End of the Affair is a gripping exploration of love, jealousy, and the power of faith. Set in post-World War II London, the novel delves into the complex relationship between a man and a woman whose affair is as consuming as it is destructive. As their passion ignites a fire that threatens to consume them both, the story takes a dramatic turn when one of them turns to God, leading to a heart-wrenching conclusion. /n/n Graham Greene's masterful storytelling and deep psychological insight make this a compelling read that explores the intricacies of human emotion and the impact of faith on personal relationships. The novel's rich historical setting and profound themes make it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

Reviews
JacquiWine's Journal · JacquiWine · 2016-02-02
admirable 3.50

The novel offers a rich portrayal of 1940s London, but the emotional distance from the characters makes it hard to fully connect with the story. The writing is compelling, though the narrative's focus on internal conflict can feel detached.

JacquiWine appreciates the vivid imagery and historical setting of 1940s London, which brings a sense of atmosphere to the novel. However, they find it challenging to emotionally invest in the characters, noting that the story feels more observed than felt. The exploration of themes like love, jealousy, and faith is deep, but the detached narrative style leaves them unable to fully immerse themselves in the emotional turmoil of the protagonists. Overall, it's a book that is admired for its craftsmanship but not loved for its emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

    There's a lot to enjoy in this novel (most notably the images of London in the 1940s)

    I couldn't quite bring myself to love it because of the emotional distance

    The writing is compelling, though the narrative's focus on internal conflict can feel detached

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2015-01-26
profound 4.50

The novel blurs the line between Greene's 'entertainments' and his more serious work, making it a unique and thought-provoking read. The exploration of faith and human nature is profound, though the narrative can be intense and unsettling.

Robert McCrum highlights that 'The End of the Affair' is a novel that transcends Greene's typical categorizations, blending elements of his 'entertainments' with deeper, more serious themes. This makes it a unique and thought-provoking read. The novel's exploration of faith, love, and human nature is profound, though the narrative can be intense and unsettling. McCrum appreciates the raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles, noting that the novel's emotional depth and intellectual depth make it a standout work in Greene's oeuvre. However, the intense and sometimes unsettling narrative can be challenging for some readers.

Quick quotes

    It blurs the line he drew between his “entertainments” and his more serious work

    The novel owes its power to the raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles

    The exploration of faith, love, and human nature is profound, though the narrative can be intense and unsettling

Stuck in a Book · Stuck in a Book · 2013-11-11
compelling 4.00

The novel is a powerful exploration of faith and love, but it's one that is admired more than loved. The portrayal of failing relationships is compelling, though not as impactful as some of Greene's other works.

Stuck in a Book finds 'The End of the Affair' to be a deeply moving novel that grapples with complex themes of faith, love, and human frailty. The raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles makes it a compelling read. However, they admit that while it's an amazing book, it's one they admire rather than love, preferring Greene's 'The Heart of the Matter' for its depiction of failing marriages. The novel's emotional depth and intellectual depth are undeniable, but it doesn't quite resonate as deeply as some of Greene's other works.

Quick quotes

    It is an amazing book but one I admire rather than love

    I prefer The Heart of the Matter when it comes to Greene on failing marriages

    The raw and honest portrayal of the characters' struggles makes it a compelling read

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