It’s a Battlefield

It’s a Battlefield by Graham Greene, published by Penguin in 1977, is a work of fiction that delves into the complexities of human motivations and societal conflicts. The narrative centers on Drover, a Communist bus driver facing a death sentence for killing a policeman during a riot at Hyde Park Corner. As various characters, including an Assistant Commissioner, a paranoid clerk, and a rich Fabian, engage in a battle for Drover’s reprieve, the story unfolds against a backdrop of political and personal turmoil.

Readers will encounter a diverse cast of characters, each contributing to the intricate web of influences surrounding Drover’s fate. The novel explores themes of morality and the human condition, as seen through the interactions of figures like the pathetic journalist Condor and the promiscuous Kay. With 201 pages, this edition offers a compact yet profound exploration of the challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of societal upheaval.