description The Human Factor Overview
The Human Factor is a 1978 espionage novel by Graham Greene, whose earlier work for British intelligence informed several of his spy stories. It follows Maurice Castle, a quiet officer in the British secret service who has been passing information to the Soviet Union for personal and moral reasons rather than ideological commitment. The novel emphasizes loyalty, marriage, bureaucracy, and divided conscience more than action, presenting espionage as an intimate ethical conflict.
help The Human Factor FAQ
Who wrote The Human Factor and when was it published?
The Human Factor is a 1978 espionage novel by Graham Greene, whose earlier work for British intelligence informed several of his spy stories. The novel reflects Greene's insider knowledge of intelligence operations and their moral ambiguity.
What is the plot of The Human Factor by Graham Greene?
The novel follows Maurice Castle, a quiet officer in the British secret service who has been secretly passing information to the Soviet Union for personal reasons rooted in his past in South Africa. The story explores the psychological toll of living a double life in espionage.
Was The Human Factor adapted into a film?
Yes, The Human Factor was adapted into a 1979 film directed by Otto Preminger, starring Nicol Williamson and Richard Attenborough. It was one of Preminger's final films before his death.
Did Graham Greene work for British intelligence?
Yes, Graham Greene worked for British intelligence during World War II, including service in West Africa and a period working under Kim Philby. This firsthand experience shaped the authenticity and moral complexity of novels like The Human Factor.
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