"Our Man in Havana" is a satirical novel by Graham Greene that tells the story of Jim Wormold, a British expatriate living in Cuba. Struggling to make ends meet as a vacuum cleaner salesman, Wormold is recruited by the British Secret Service to act as a spy. However, lacking any genuine intelligence, he concocts a series of absurdly imaginative reports about nonexistent espionage activities, which his superiors take seriously.
The premise of the novel highlights the absurdity of espionage and bureaucracy. Wormold's fabricated intelligence leads to unexpected consequences, including stirring up international tensions and involving him in a web of deceit. Greene effectively critiques the nature of spying and the often ridiculous motivations behind it, all while maintaining a comedic tone throughout the narrative.
The novel ultimately reflects on themes of deception, the expectations of government agencies, and the often surreal reality of life in a foreign land. With its blend of humor and political commentary, "Our Man in Havana" remains a poignant examination of human nature and the systems we navigate, making it a timeless piece of literature.