50 pages • 1 hour read
Graham GreeneThe Third Man
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1949A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Third Man by Graham Greene is a thriller set in post-World War II Vienna, revolving around Rollo Martins, a writer who investigates the mysterious death of his friend Harry Lime. As Martins digs deeper, he discovers Lime's involvement in a penicillin racket, leading to a moral quandary. Themes of deception, betrayal, and the harsh realities of post-war Europe permeate the story. The book contains references to child mortality and the psychological impacts of war.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Third Man by Graham Greene is praised for its atmospheric portrayal of post-war Vienna and its compelling narrative. Reviewers commend the book's intricate plot and the moral complexity of its characters. Some critics find the pacing uneven and the conclusion less satisfying than expected. Overall, it remains a gripping and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Third Man?
A reader captivated by atmospheric noir, post-WWII intrigue, and moral ambiguity will enjoy Graham Greene's The Third Man. Fans of John le Carré's The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Eric Ambler's Epitaph for a Spy will appreciate its suspenseful plot and richly textured, divided Vienna setting.