Paperback. Orange cover with black title.

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A FROST PAPERBACK is a loved book which a member of the Frost family has checked for condition, cleanliness, completeness and readability. When the buyer collects their book, the delivery charge of £3.00 is not made.

This is a story about a priest on the run from the authorities in 1930s Mexico, during a time of state persecution of the church. It’s a “wild west”-type state where getting the wrong side of the local police chief can easily end in torture and summary death. Despite this premise however, this novel is not one of Greene’s thrillers, and whilst absorbing reading, it’s also the kind of book which requires some effort at times, though the clear prose and vivid, cinematic descriptions of Mexico add colour and make it enjoyable to get through. Despite the priest-on-the-run theme, the dominant feeling is one of residual tension, and perhaps foreboding and general menace, rather than gripping excitement, and those looking for light entertainment would do better to pick up another of Greene’s novels.

In taking us on this warts-and-all journey into the world of the “whisky priest”, Greene is exposing the complexities of human character, gently showing us the contradictions inherent in peoples’ lives and views of ourselves and others. Yes, we can be drunkards, arrogant and weak-minded, but also full of compassion, humanity and responsibility. We can be vengeful and murderous, but also coherent and pure. Who is the better person – the honest, incorruptible lieutenant who won’t flinch at taking hostages and killing innocent people in order to create a better world for their children, or the corrupt, affable police chief who causes less damage through his laziness and incompetence? The priest who gives up his honour and everything he believes in for a cushy life, or the one who refuses to hand himself in, thereby causing huge pain and suffering to those whose help he is dependent on?

Greene has beautifully crafted a book looking at human frailties and strengths with great subtlety and tact. The protagonist of this novel – the sinner priest – is so real and multifaceted that I ended up recognising parts of him in countless people, not to mention in myself. This is a book I enjoyed reading and which I am sure will stay with me for a long time.