'Stamboul Train' (1932) by Graham Greene

'Stamboul Train' (published as Orient Express in the U.S.) is a suspenseful thriller set aboard the titular train traveling from Ostend to Istanbul. It was Graham Greene’s first major commercial success and is often categorized as an "entertainment" rather than one of his heavier literary works.

Plot Overview: The novel follows a diverse group of passengers, each with their own secrets and motivations, as they journey across Europe. Their lives become entangled in a web of betrayal, espionage, and moral dilemmas.

The key characters include: Carleton Myatt – A British-Jewish businessman traveling to Istanbul to secure his trade in raisins.

Coral Musker – A struggling English chorus girl hoping for a better life.

Dr. Czinner – A revolutionary fleeing to Belgrade to lead a workers' uprising.

Mabel Warren – A determined and ruthless journalist.

Josef Grünlich – A small-time criminal hiding from the law.

As the train moves eastward, political tensions rise, betrayals occur, and lives are put at risk. Dr. Czinner is exposed as a revolutionary and arrested in Yugoslavia, leading to a dramatic trial and execution. Meanwhile, Myatt develops a reluctant bond with Coral Musker, though he ultimately leaves her behind.

Themes: Moral Ambiguity – The novel presents flawed characters, each struggling with their own ethical dilemmas.

Political Intrigue – Set against a backdrop of rising European tensions, the story explores revolution, betrayal, and espionage.

Isolation & Betrayal – Characters form temporary alliances, but self-interest often prevails.

Final Thoughts: 'Stamboul Train' is a fast-paced, cynical thriller that blends suspense with social commentary. Its structure—introducing a cast of characters who intersect and diverge—would influence later Greene novels like 'The Confidential Agent' and 'The Comedians'.