Brighton Rock

by Graham Greene
Brighton Rock cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Format • £12.34
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Paperback • £9.99 Hardback • £11.99–£12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 8887
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9780343132835
  • Publisher: Franklin Classics
  • Published: 2018-10-14
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

Brighton Rock delves into the seedy underbelly of Brighton, exploring themes of crime, morality, and the consequences of one's actions. The novel follows Pinkie, a ruthless young gangster, as he navigates a world of violence and deception, ultimately leading to a chilling climax. /n/n This classic work has been preserved and republished to ensure its accessibility, offering readers a profound and thought-provoking narrative that remains relevant to this day. The story's intense atmosphere and complex characters make it a compelling read for those interested in the darker aspects of human nature.

Reviews
Books on the 747 · 2023-02-24
thrilling 4.50

The suspense never lets up, and the pace is perfect right up to the thrilling climax. The book is a gripping thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

This reviewer found the book to be a thrilling read that never lets up on the suspense. The pace is perfect, and the climax is particularly thrilling. They highlight the book's ability to keep readers engaged throughout. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of themes like loneliness and fear adds depth to the story, making it a gripping thriller that exposes a world of darkness and danger.

Quick quotes

    Throughout the book, the suspense never lets up and the pace, right up to the thrilling climax, is just perfect.

    Even if you (as I assume is the case) have never been to Brighton, the descriptions of the town and its people are so vivid that you will feel as if you have.

    The book is a gripping thriller that exposes a world of loneliness and fear, of life lived on the 'dangerous edge of things'.

Reading Matters Blog · 2014-03-20
mixed 3.50

The book is a heady mix of psychological character study and crime thriller. It didn't win the reviewer over completely, but they are glad they read it.

This reviewer found the book to be a mix of psychological character study and crime thriller. They didn't find it to be a perfect book, but they appreciated the depth of the characters and the exploration of themes like morality and redemption. The reviewer also notes that the book's bleak tone and violent content might not be for everyone, but they are glad they read it. They believe that the book's strength lies in its ability to create a richly textured world that draws the reader in.

Quick quotes

    Brighton Rock may not have won me completely over, but it's a heady mix of psychological character study and crime thriller, and I'm glad I read it.

    The book's bleak tone and violent content might not be for everyone, but the depth of the characters and the exploration of themes like morality and redemption make it a rewarding read.

    The book's strength lies in its ability to create a richly textured world that draws the reader in.

The Guardian · 2011-02-06
compelling 4.00

The book's strength lies in its richly detailed characters, particularly Pinkie, who is complex and compelling. The thriller plot is simple, but the depth of the characters makes it a great novel.

This reviewer appreciates the book's focus on character development over plot. They find Pinkie to be a particularly complex and compelling character, which elevates the novel beyond its simple thriller plot. The reviewer also notes that the book's exploration of themes like morality and redemption adds depth to the story. They believe that the book's strength lies in its ability to create richly detailed characters that stay with the reader long after the book is finished.

Quick quotes

    Brighton Rock has a simple thriller plot sure, but plotting isn't what makes a great novel. It's the richly detailed characters such as Pinkie.

    The book's exploration of themes like morality and redemption adds depth to the story.

    The characters are so well-drawn that they stay with the reader long after the book is finished.

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