The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene is a gripping novel about faith, redemption, and moral struggle set in 1930s Mexico during a period of intense religious persecution. The story follows an unnamed "whisky priest" who is on the run from an authoritarian government that has outlawed Catholicism.
Despite his deep flaws—he is an alcoholic and has fathered a child—the priest continues to administer sacraments in secret, evading a relentless lieutenant determined to capture and execute him. As he journeys through the poverty-stricken countryside, he wrestles with his own sins and doubts, questioning whether he can still be a true servant of God despite his weaknesses.
With its vivid prose, rich symbolism, and philosophical depth, The Power and the Glory explores the nature of faith, the meaning of sacrifice, and the tension between human frailty and divine grace. It remains one of Greene’s most celebrated works, blending adventure, spirituality, and political critique.