The Ministry of Fear
The Ministry of Fear
Book Brief
Beta224
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1940s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Ministry of Fear by Graham Greene is a thriller set during World War II. It follows an individual entangled in espionage and intrigue after winning a cake at a charity fete, leading to unraveling mysterious connections and danger. The narrative explores themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of wartime psychological landscapes.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
8,808 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Graham Greene's The Ministry of Fear intrigues with its blend of thriller and psychological exploration. The novel is lauded for its atmospheric tension and complex character portrayal but critiqued for pacing that occasionally hinders narrative momentum. Despite this, its exploration of guilt and redemption is compelling, making it a rewarding read for Greene's fans.
Who Should Read The Ministry of Fear?
A reader who enjoys The Ministry of Fear by Graham Greene likely appreciates psychological thrillers with historical contexts. Fans of John le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold or Eric Ambler’s The Mask of Dimitrios would enjoy its suspenseful, wartime setting and exploration of morality under pressure.
8,808 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Ministry of Fear was published in 1943 and notably incorporates themes of wartime paranoia and espionage, reflecting the tense atmosphere of World War II Britain.
The novel was adapted into a film in 1944, directed by Fritz Lang, who was renowned for his work in the film noir genre.
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Graham Greene's exploration of moral ambiguity in The Ministry of Fear is characteristic of his writing style and often blurs the line between right and wrong.
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224
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1940s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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