Graham Greene

Date of Birth: October 2, 1904

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 3, 1991

Biography

Graham Greene was an English novelist, short story writer, and playwright, renowned for his versatile storytelling and profound exploration of moral and political themes. Born on October 2, 1904, in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, Greene was raised in a family with a strong literary background; his father was the headmaster of Berkhamsted School. Greene went on to study at Balliol College, Oxford, where he published his first book of poetry. His literary career took off with the publication of “The Man Within” in 1929. Greene is best known for his works “The Power and the Glory,” “The End of the Affair,” “The Quiet American,” and “The Heart of the Matter.” These novels often delve into complex themes of faith, betrayal, and the human condition, earning him critical acclaim and a broad readership. Apart from his novels, Greene wrote numerous screenplays, including “The Third Man,” which became a celebrated film noir. His works have been adapted into various films, further solidifying his influence in both literary and cinematic circles. Greene’s life was as adventurous as his novels, involving travels to various political hotspots, which provided material for his writing. He passed away on April 3, 1991, in Vevey, Switzerland.

5 Interesting Facts about Graham Greene

1. Graham Greene converted to Roman Catholicism in 1926, which significantly influenced his writing.

2. He worked as a British intelligence officer during World War II, which inspired some of his espionage-themed novels.

3. Greene was shortlisted for the Nobel Prize in Literature several times, but never won.

4. He traveled extensively, visiting places like Sierra Leone and Vietnam, which served as settings for his novels.

5. Greene’s novel “The Quiet American” was highly controversial for its critical view of American involvement in Vietnam.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Graham Greene

1. “There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.”

2. “Innocence is a kind of insanity.”

3. “Human nature is not black and white but black and grey.”

4. “Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those, who do not write, compose or paint can manage to escape the madness, melancholia, the panic and fear which is inherent in a human situation.”

5. “Heresy is another word for freedom of thought.”