The Green Man (Amis novel)

The Green Man is a novel by Kingsley Amis, published in 1969. It is a ghost story and black comedy set in a modern-day (at the time of writing) English pub. The narrative follows Maurice Allington, a bibulous and cynical pub landlord who encounters increasingly disturbing paranormal phenomena at his establishment, The Green Man, located in Hertfordshire.

Allington is a flawed protagonist, prone to infidelity and self-indulgence, which is juxtaposed with the terrifying and increasingly real presence of the titular Green Man, an ancient pagan deity. The Green Man represents a resurgence of primal, malevolent forces threatening the rational, modern world.

The novel blends elements of horror, humor, and satire, exploring themes of good versus evil, faith versus skepticism, and the clash between ancient traditions and contemporary society. Allington's initial disbelief and attempts to rationalize the strange occurrences gradually give way to a desperate struggle for survival, as the Green Man's power grows.

The book also delves into the history of the pub itself, revealing its dark past and association with a 17th-century clergyman, Dr. Underhill, who was rumored to have practiced black magic. Underhill's presence, or rather his resurrected influence, forms a crucial part of the escalating supernatural events.

The Green Man is considered one of Amis's most successful and enduring works, demonstrating his versatility as a writer and his ability to combine different genres into a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. Its exploration of the supernatural, coupled with its sharp social commentary and darkly humorous tone, makes it a notable example of modern British horror literature.