Graham Greene's novel The End of the Affair was author Gretchen Rupin's (The Happiness Project) eccentric book selection for January. Of her three recommendations, I chose this one because I hope to read more classics this year, and I placed this one in that category when I happened to notice its original publication date in 1951...well, a somewhat modern classic?
First, I was all but offended from page one when narrator Maurice Bendrix, an author himself, denounces God; then, the reader quickly learns of his adulterous affair with Sarah Miles. Goodness! What I had I gotten myself into? Then, I recall Rupin's reason for selecting this category of books: "an excellent book that I love, yes, but one that may not appeal to everyone." Okay.
I had spent the money on the book, and I have a growing respect for Rupin and the purpose behind her best-selling book. So page-by-page, I progressed through the novel. What I found was...a story of reformation, of redemption.
Sarah Miles, unhappily married and seeking love, becomes a believer where she finds love with one whom Bendrix initially does not like because God becomes the one she loves. This novel is her story and the influence that her belief has on others. Does Bendrix become a believer? You have to read to the very last page...literally...to find out.
The World War II setting was interesting, for I had not read a novel set here in some time, a time frame that must be a character, a minor character, but a character, nonetheless, for the setting affects these characters in a subtle way, always there, always present.
With all this swirling in my mind, I read some about the author. Interesting. Quite the successful author, Greene, a Catholic, was involved in various works, including the British secret service and journalism. His biography is one I would appreciate reading.
For February, I chose Rubin's young adult selection Up a Road Slowly by author Irene Hunt...awaiting its arrival in the mail. Thinking I may count this one as a classic? It was published in 1967. Maybe?
Happy reading!
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