re:mote voices

Title: The Power And The Glory
Author: Graham Greene
Publisher: Vintage

Set in post World War One Mexico, The Power And The Glory is set against a background of Anti-Catholicism. While a priest in Mexico City itself would be ok, those further out are being arrested, and if they don't renounce their religion they are shot. There are only two priests left, one has renounced his religion and married his housekeeper, though he still lives in fear. The other is a whisky priest, an ambitious priest; he was an illustration of exactly what the backlash was against. But he has gone on the run, and has gradually been worn down, turning to alcohol to get him through. Being driven from town to town isn't enough though, the police are determined to put him out of business once for all, and a dogged lieutenant is on his trail.

The Power And The Glory is one of Graham Greene's most acclaimed novels, though judging by the introduction it was originally published in quite a small print run. Strangely, despite being known as a quintessentially English novelist, part of the appeal of him for me is actually the exotic nature of his work. The man in Havana, the train to Istanbul, the steamer to Paraguay, the trek across Mexico. Here he provides a snapshot of a period in Mexican history, based on he saw in the country on his own trips there at the time the novel is set. The novel, especially in the first part, is less concerned about lead characters or plot, instead fleshing out an environment, an atmosphere. Gradually coalescing into the story of the whisky priest and the police officer that is in pursuit. Allowing us to wallow in their obsessions, showing both sides as representing potentially harsh forces, but also showing each character with a certain sympathy.