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The Human Factor cover art

The Human Factor

By: Graham Greene
Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith
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Summary

When a leak is traced back to a small sub-section of SIS, it sparks off security checks, tensions and suspicions - the sort of atmosphere where mistakes could be made. This novel opens up the lonely, isolated, neurotic world of the Secret Service.
©1978 Graham Greene (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about The Human Factor

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Superb Narration

Although the cultural references of this Graham Green novel are rather out of date, the narration and characterisation by Tim Piggot-Smith is absolutely superb - really a one man radio play and he brings the story line completely alive. Interesting that the theme of inevitable disaster for the human spirit in the secret world , makes Le Carre the natural heir to Greene. A very good listen.

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33 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Multi layered

Ostensibly a spy story but more one about duty, obligation and responsibility clouded behind a British reserve to never say directly smything that can be hinted at instead. Petfect for a spy story.

Old fashioned in many ways particularly bearing in mind the tech nature of so many current spy stories.

No mobile phones, no satellites, no tracking devices.

Considered, thoughtful and rewards the patient listener.

Shot through with much humour which sits wonderfully against the backdrop of the stilted lives lead by most of the characters.

The character studies are the real genius of the book. Each of them are well drawn, fully rounded and keenly observed.

Best of all is Tim Pigott-Smith's narration. I cannot praise it enougjh. Beautifully read and adds so much to the enjoyment. His ability with accents is fantastic - I particularly enjoyed Dr Percival and Castle's mother. Just listening to them brings a smile to your face.

More Graham Greene and certainly more Tim Pigott-Smith.

Recommended without hesitation.

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28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

A very enjoyable British espionage tale


Those of us who are Wilbur Smith fans already know Tim Piggot-Smith is amongst the top three or four audiobook performers whose names guarantee a great experience.

Greene introduces you to the secretive world of MI6 without loosing sight of the 'human factor'. He places you firmly inside the heads of the characters, fleshing them out while at the same time creating disturbing sense of oppressive life they live. No one creates more realistic characters than Greene; you don't question their authenticity for an instant.

A must for all Flemming and L? Carre fans.

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13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant novel, superbly read

I haven't read enough Graham Greene, but this spy novel - of course it's not about spying, it's about the damage and futility it can cause - is quite magnificent. Don't expect James Bond or even Le Carre - the actual spying is almost incidental, here. It's about sorrow, paranoia and loneliness. Also, the Owl scene is one of the funniest I've listened too in an otherwise mannered, dramatic book. Tim Pigott-Smith is great, even if his characterizations do sail a little close to impersonation sometimes.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable

Graham Greene in true form, also very well narrated by Tim Piggott-Smith. Engaging from start to finish.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A tender, entertaining book.

Stunning performance of a tender book. TPS' performance is brilliant. I loved his voices as Danetre, 'C' and the doctor. The book is thoughtful and provoking. not Green's best. but diverting.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Simply brilliant. A great story.

I loved this book. A riveting story brought to life by superb narration. Tim Piggott Smith is absolutely faultless. A tour de force! Highly recommended.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

My first Graham Greene and a good choice too

Good story, excellent narration. Will definitely look out for more read by Tim Piggot-Smith

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

mixed bag

The usual Greene but a bit mixed. Sections just didn't ring true. And you really should read Trollope's 'The Way We Live Now'

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story and narration

Really enjoyed it, engaging plot and well-read. Greene is a master and portraying characters without drawing them.

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4 people found this helpful