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Dave Marsland's Reviews > Our Man In Havana
Our Man In Havana
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If you have ever watched a Charles Bronson film you will understand that he only holds one expression. Happy - same look, sad - same look, end of the world - same look.
What has this got to do with Graham Greene? Well, very little to be honest. But it's very difficult to fathom that Our Man in Havana was written by the same guy who wrote the claustrophobic, theologically fatalistic The Heart of the Matter.
Our Man in Havana is a satire, and it's very funny. It's a piss take of the British secret service, who Graham Greene had worked for after WW2. He clearly dropped his trousers and cracked open a big smile when writing this.
It was an absolute joy to read, probably a 4 star book but I'm elevating it to 5 because I did it as a buddy read with Our Man in Australia, the wonderful Mark Porton. Mark could make reading a phone directory fun, so thank you my friend. And thank you Graham Greene for being so..... erm, Graham Greene😁
What has this got to do with Graham Greene? Well, very little to be honest. But it's very difficult to fathom that Our Man in Havana was written by the same guy who wrote the claustrophobic, theologically fatalistic The Heart of the Matter.
Our Man in Havana is a satire, and it's very funny. It's a piss take of the British secret service, who Graham Greene had worked for after WW2. He clearly dropped his trousers and cracked open a big smile when writing this.
It was an absolute joy to read, probably a 4 star book but I'm elevating it to 5 because I did it as a buddy read with Our Man in Australia, the wonderful Mark Porton. Mark could make reading a phone directory fun, so thank you my friend. And thank you Graham Greene for being so..... erm, Graham Greene😁
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Reading Progress
November 27, 2021
– Shelved
November 27, 2021
– Shelved as:
to-read
June 29, 2024
–
Started Reading
July 10, 2024
–
Finished Reading
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Debi
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Jul 13, 2024 02:31AM
Well, blow me down, I'm very surprised too! I've read The Heart of the Matter and well, let's just say I haven't been in the mood for another Greene. But based on your review, though, I'm adding this one to my TBR.
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It's very worth it Debi
Oh, now I’ve to read this book after your enticing review, Dave. I’ve read a few Greene books but none so far has been close to funny.
I've only read Travels With My Aunt, which was very funny, but this sounds good.
This must have been the perfect buddy read, Greene's satire suits both of you guys perfectly. I agree with everything you say about the author and your buddy-reader, Dave.
Great review Davey, yes mate - I forgot Greene was in the secret service, that would've made his piss-take even more enjoyable. Perhaps I could do one on Queensland Health now I'm retired!!!! Was a pleasure buddy reading with you mate, thanks so much. Oh, and GO ENGLAND!!!! 🤗⚽
Fab review, Dave! Sounds like you two had a riot of a time!
Your review put a huge smile on my face this morning, Dave! I can only imagine what antics you and Markus got up to while reading this ;D I truly had fun a few years ago with this novel as well!
Awesome review, Dave! Glad to hear both the book and Mark’s sense of humour were winners for you:) Now I have to read some Graham Greene for sure.
Mark wrote: "Great review Davey, yes mate - I forgot Greene was in the secret service, that would've made his piss-take even more enjoyable. Perhaps I could do one on Queensland Health now I'm retired!!!! Was a..."You should do it mucker. I'll write one about the BBC and we can compare notes.
Laysee wrote: "Oh, now I’ve to read this book after your enticing review, Dave. I’ve read a few Greene books but none so far has been close to funny."That's what is so great about it Laysee. It's really funny, there are some great one-liners in it. I agree, nothing by the same author has ever been remotely funny, so this is a bit special.
Diane wrote: "I've only read Travels With My Aunt, which was very funny, but this sounds good."It's an easy read and a whole load of fun. Graham Greene is terribly English, but he wrote this with charm and wit
Antoinette wrote: "Awesome review, Dave! Glad to hear both the book and Mark’s sense of humour were winners for you:) Now I have to read some Graham Greene for sure."It was a marriage made in heaven with Marky. Graham Greene was a very clever writer, and this was delightful.
Candi wrote: "Your review put a huge smile on my face this morning, Dave! I can only imagine what antics you and Markus got up to while reading this ;D I truly had fun a few years ago with this novel as well!"We had many laughs, and shared a tear or two reflecting on people lost. The whole thing was just great.
Violeta wrote: "This must have been the perfect buddy read, Greene's satire suits both of you guys perfectly. I agree with everything you say about the author and your buddy-reader, Dave."There's a time and place for things, and this was it for Mark and I.
Lori wrote: "Fab review, Dave! Sounds like you two had a riot of a time!"Thanks Lori! Yeah it was a hoot. Great book, highly recommended.
It is amazing that one man had such range. Fun review, Dave.
I agree Teresa. All you have to do is read A Shocking Accident to understand his range. I don't read many English authors but when I do he is my port of call.
Dave wrote: "I agree Teresa. All you have to do is read A Shocking Accident to understand his range. I don't read many English authors but when I do he is my port of call."I don't think I've read that story, but I will. Thanks, Dave!
It's 5 or 6 pages of fun. I hope you like it Teresa.
A great review of this satirical masterpiece, Dave. Big smiles over here imagining you and Mark on your buddy read! 😃😊
Thanks Lorna, the whole experience was absolutely joyful.
Ah Davey so glad you had such a great buddy read with this book. Sounds a great premise xxx
Megan wrote: "Ah Davey so glad you had such a great buddy read with this book. Sounds a great premise xxx"It's was fun, Megs. Tremendous book, highly recommended...xx
"Mark could make reading a phone directory fun"So true! I'm glad this was an amazing reading experience. Satire is tricky to get right and it sounds like Greene succeeded admirably.
Ain't that the truth Lisa. Graham Greene never ceases to amaze me, and he did this with aplomb. It was a very funny book. Reading it with Marky was a joy.
