The Lawless Roads

The Lawless Roads by Graham Greene is a compelling account of his journey through Mexico in the late 1930s, commissioned to report on the reactions of the inhabitants to the brutal anticlerical purges of President Calles. This reissue, published by Penguin on June 27, 2006, spans 240 pages and is presented in English. Greene’s observations during his travels through the tropical states of Chiapas and Tabasco serve as a backdrop for his reflections on the destruction of churches and the persecution of priests, themes that would later inform his acclaimed novel, The Power and the Glory.

Readers will find a vivid portrayal of a tumultuous period in Mexican history, as Greene captures the stark realities faced by the local population. The narrative delves into the impact of political repression and the resilience of faith amidst adversity. This edition also includes an introduction by David Rieff, providing additional context to Greene’s experiences and insights. The Lawless Roads stands as a significant work within the realms of fiction and literary classics, offering a unique perspective on historical events and their enduring implications.