The Confidential Agent

Author: Graham Greene
4 Stars

A secret agent is sent by his government on a mission to buy a large amount of coal. Meanwhile, another agent is sent to stop him. Will he buy the coal or will his enemy get in his way?

I bought this book because it was on sale and I like the author, Graham Greene. Greene is perhaps best known for his original screenplay for The Third Man (1949), starring Orson Wells, Joseph Cotton, and Trevor Howard. It was a fantastic movie, so I became interested in Graham Greene’s other works.

The Confidential Agent is a classic spy-vs-spy tale. Agent D must negotiate a contract for a large amount of British coal. Meanwhile, Agent K must stop him and obtain the coal for his government.

Set in Britain in the early days of World War II, The Confidential Agent captures the feel of England during the war, including shabby boarding houses, prostitution, child abuse and neglect, ships, trains, taxis, nosy neighbors, the careless attitude of the children of the rich, and the haughtiness of the older wealthy generation.

Graham Greene was the Real Deal—he was a spy for MI6 and obviously knows his business. Greene’s talent puts you in the scene.

I recommend this book to history buffs, spy-story buffs, and anyone who wants a thrilling, absorbing story. The plot, the characters, and the locations combine into solid, page-turning read.

I own other books by this author and I will buy more of his books.