Genre: Thriller, Crime, Modern Classic
Key Stage: Year 9+ (contains moments of graphic violence and crime)
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Brighton Rock by Graham Greene (1938)
Plot: Set in 1930s Brighton, this book follows 17-year-old Pinkie who is trying to keep control of his group of thugs after their previous leader died. A reporter’s death by Pinkie’s hand causes the gang to panic as their wrong doings may come to light. The two main characters, Ida, a detective with the suspicion that something is off, and Pinkie, the murderer, reflect on the idea of good and evil.
Positives: I found the start of the book interesting as it instantly grabs your attention by introducing the story from a perspective of the character whose life is about to end. The beginning was very tense and made my heart race almost like how his time was running out. Pinkie’s view of the world was harsh, shaped by violence, and constantly underestimates others while overestimating himself. I thought his character was very complex since his actions weren’t just plain terrible, but he had a twisted reason behind it (which was that he believed he was beyond redemption and doomed to go to hell). On the other hand, a different character, called Rose, believed in heaven until she met Pinkie and her ideals change. Ida (the detective) was a clear contrast to the others since she was much older and claimed to have a strong sense of right and wrong. I loved reading about their moral struggles and ideas and enjoyed the suspense.
Negatives: The first part of the book was compelling and exciting however the second part reared off course for a bit and focused on different characters which I didn’t find as fascinating. There were times when I was bored, but other times when I was really engaged.
Reviewer: Rose, Year 9