William Golding’s 1954 novel The Lord of the Flies tells the story of a group of boys who, stranded on an island, descend into a primitive state as they attempt to govern themselves for survival. The book delves into themes such as innocence, human nature, and the capacity for cruelty. Notably, this novel was published in the same year as ‘‘The Destructors’’ and is also authored by a British writer.

Graham Greene’s The Heart of the Matter (1948) follows Major Scobie, a high-ranking Catholic police officer whose conscience brings him marital issues, religious conflicts, and career challenges. Drawing from Greene’s own experiences working for the British government during World War II, the novel gained significant popularity among American readers upon its release.

Edited by Philip Stratford, The Portable Graham Greene (1994) serves as an invaluable resource for both newcomers and dedicated fans of Greene’s work. The collection features two complete novels, excerpts from ten others, short stories, essays, travel writing, and memoir excerpts, along with a comprehensive introduction and bibliography.