‘Hale knew, before he had been in Brighton three hours, that they meant to murder him.’ Crime novels need to have gripping openings, and the first line of Graham Greene’s novel is considered by many to be one of the best in literature. Featuring teenage sociopath ‘Pinkie’, and encompassing Greene’s traditional themes of Catholicism, moral decay, and redemption, the book has inspired two screen adaptations to date and many devoted fans. Bestselling Brighton crime writer Peter James says it’s his favourite book.
You should read it: to decide whether you prefer Greene doing crime or doing literary agonising (eg The End of the Affair); to admire his crafting of antihero Pinkie; to see a woman taking on the role of ‘detective’ in the form of stalwart Ida; for tips on how to create a (literally) killer opening.
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