A Gun for Sale by Graham Greene: Summary of the Book
A Gun for Sale is a 1936 novel by English author Graham Greene. It is a thriller set in the seedy underworld of gangsters and spies in 1930s England. The novel follows a character named Raven, a former criminal who is now trying to make an honest living as a gun salesman. When Raven is hired to sell a gun to a mysterious buyer, he finds himself tangled up in a web of intrigue and violence.
Plot Summary
Raven is a former criminal who has gone straight and is now trying to make a living as a gun salesman. He is hired by a mysterious buyer to sell a gun, and soon finds himself embroiled in a dangerous plot. The buyer is an agent of a foreign power, and the gun is meant to be used in an assassination. Raven is caught up in a web of intrigue and violence, as he is pursued by the police, the foreign agents, and other criminals. In the end, Raven manages to outwit his pursuers and survive.
Main Teachings
The novel has a strong moral message. It highlights the dangers of violence, and how violence can lead to further violence. It also emphasizes the importance of integrity, and the idea that although it can be difficult to stay on the right path, it is ultimately worth it.
Interesting Facts
- The novel has been adapted several times for film and television. The novel has been adapted for the screen multiple times, most notably in the 1947 film A Gun for Sale and the 1986 miniseries A Gun for Sale: The Story of Raven.
- The novel was the first of Graham Greene’s novels to be published in the United States. The novel was first published in the United States in 1936.
- The novel is often compared to the works of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler. The novel is often compared to the works of American hard-boiled crime fiction authors Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, due to its focus on crime and violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote A Gun for Sale?
A Gun for Sale was written by English author Graham Greene.
When was A Gun for Sale published?
A Gun for Sale was first published in 1936.
Has A Gun for Sale been adapted for film or television?
Yes, A Gun for Sale has been adapted for film and television multiple times, most notably in the 1947 film A Gun for Sale and the 1986 miniseries A Gun for Sale: The Story of Raven.
What themes are explored in A Gun for Sale?
A Gun for Sale explores themes of violence, morality, and integrity. The novel has a strong moral message, emphasizing the dangers of violence, and the importance of staying on the right path.