From what I gather, in the late 1930s the Mexican government attempted to rid the country of Catholicism by closing the churches, burning many of them to their foundations, killing some priests and exiling others, and taking strong steps to rid the country of an influential religion. Also, from what I gather, Graham Greene came to Mexico to report on this pogrom.
Graham Greene is a famously Catholic author who, some say, has been denied a Nobel prize due to his religion. It is not surprising therefore that this book is a thinly veiled condemnation of Mexico in support of Catholicism. He hates all things Mexican. He begins by criticizing the food and its monotonous sameness; goes on to criticize what little value Mexican's place on life; how hateful they are; and ultimately leads the reader to conclude that Mexicans are nothing less than the basest form of intelligent life. All the while, he venrates religion, in particular, Catholicism.
While this arrogant exposition is tasteless and irritating, the narrative describing the Mexican countryside, the unrelenting Summer sun, and the sweaty tropical climate is excellent. It really makes you glad you aren't there.
I love Graham Greene's novels, but the pettiness of this autobiographical work leaves a lot to be desired.
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