Tom Jones by Graham Greene - Book Review

Tom Jones is one of Graham Greene's most celebrated novels. In this masterpiece by the author portrays a broken relationship, an English gentleman and his social conscience. Though not exactly modern, it was an influential work in its day. The language is eloquent and the plot involves the exploration of several cultural aspects in London during the Victorian age. It is also a witty satire on the upper classes in England at that time. The novel has been called a Collins classic and was first published in 1890.

Graham Greene wrote Tom Jones while he was working as a journalist. He was impressed with the social justice that the then Prince Regent and his circle were practicing. As a result he spent much of his free time researching the lives of these people and writing about them. This is evident in the book and in his journalism. It is clear from the title of the book that Greene was deeply concerned about the way in which women were treated in society at that time.

Graham Greene chose to write about his life events because he wanted to show how the social conditions of the day were unfair to women. He felt that they were being abused by both men and women. The main character in the story, Tom Jones, belongs to a prominent family who live in an affluent area of London. The family is very poor and the mother feels that her son takes no pride in his appearance. He shaves his head and wears ragged clothing to hide the scars on his face.

One day Tom decides to visit another boy, Peter, who has just moved into the neighborhood from Scotland. He talks to Peter about his time there and Peter expresses envy for Tom. Tom expresses a desire to find someone who would like him very much. Later that night Tom sneaks out and meets Jones who tries to rob him but fails.

Tom decides to give his evidence to the police and is arrested but Jones escapes. Tom's evidence proves that the police were wrong about the culprit and clears his name. He and Jones become good friends and work together. Eventually, Tom gets a job in the Yard and helps Jones solve crimes.

This book has a great plot that keeps you reading until the end. The author puts a lot of information in this novel. There are many interesting characters including Jones and the owner of the local pub. This is not a romance but a great book that any man would enjoy reading. I would recommend it to any man and women.