The Heart of the Matter
by Graham Greene
The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene holds a well received rating of 3.98 out of 5, based on 19.1K reader ratings. First published in 1948. The book spans 272 pages.
About The Heart of the Matter
In a British colony in West Africa, Henry Scobie is a pious and righteous man of modest means enlisted with securing borders. But when he’s passed over for a promotion as commissioner of police, the humiliation hits hardest for his wife, Louise. Already oppressed by the appalling climate, frustrated in a loveless marriage, and belittled by the wives of more privileged officers, Louise wants out. Feeling responsible for her unhappiness, Henry decides against his better judgment to accept a loan from a black marketeer to secure Louise’s passage. It’s just a single indiscretion, yet for Henry it precipitates a rapid fall from grace as one moral compromise after another leads him into a web of blackmail, adultery, and murder. And for a devout man like Henry, there may be nothing left but damnation.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Graham Greene |
| Published | 1948 |
| Pages | 272 |
| Genres | Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction, Religion & Spirituality |
| Average Rating | 3.98 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 19,149 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Heart of the Matter?
The Heart of the Matter is categorized as Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction, Religion & Spirituality. Its primary genre classification is Historical Fiction.
Is The Heart of the Matter worth reading?
Based on 19.1K reader ratings, The Heart of the Matter has an average score of 3.98 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Heart of the Matter?
The Heart of the Matter has 272 pages.
Who wrote The Heart of the Matter?
The Heart of the Matter was written by Graham Greene. It was first published in 1948.
What is the ISBN for The Heart of the Matter?
The ISBN-13 for The Heart of the Matter is 9780099478420.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
