Our Man in Havana

Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mr Wormold, a vaccum-cleaner salesman in Havana, Cuba, is offered a spy job with MI6, and takes it to make some extra money. He makes up stories and drawings and sends them to London, which takes them seriously. This gets several people killed, and entangled Wormold in the actual spy world of Cuba.

Greene’s tone is rather flippant and cynical in this short story. Wormold’s apathy to national affairs is evident. He just wants to survive and provide for his daughter. It is a critique (in 1958!) of Cold War priorities on nation and ideology above all else.

I enjoyed the scene near the end where Wormold sits in his bedroom plotting to murder a spy enemy, all while he hears in the next room his daughter and love discussing personal matters of love about him and his daughter.

The most intriguing aspect of this book, is the implicit assertion that fiction can affect reality. Lies believed, can change the world. It may bring short term gain, but if it's really a lie, there will be negative consequences, too. But part of the point seems to be, that you can fudge your way through, in the end, because those who BELIEVE lies want to cover up their errors, too.

I wouldn’t call this a great classic, but it’s perfect for a mix of light reading and thought-provoking content. 3 stars.

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