Alfred Jones works as a translator and letter-writer in a chocolate factory in Vevey. He gets acquainted with Anna-Luise, daughter of Dr Fischer of Geneva. The latter became a millionaire by selling toothpaste and lives in a mansion in Versoix. A strange marriage it is because Jones is in his fifties and Anna-Luise could almost be his daughter - she is 21. But this is perhaps what she seeks, a father more sympathetic than Dr Fischer whom Jones detests because of his pride, his contempt of all ..the world and his cruelty. He doesn't even oppose to his marrying Anna-Luise. Dr Fischer is famous for the parties he gives at his house. The parties are always attended by the same people: General Kruger (a divisionnaire in the Swiss army), Richard Deane (a film star), Mr Kips (the bent lawyer) and Mrs Montgomery who acts as a hostess. Though wealthy, all these characters are in one way or other dependant on Dr Fischer which allows him to humiliate, despise and belittle them during those parties. Only Jones doesn't allow himself to be mocked which greatly displeases Dr Fischer. With his last party - The Bomb Party - Graham Greene shows the limitless greed of the rich and the party becomes a farce, a black comedy and a painful satire, and it allows the author to show that cynicism is actually only a façade behind which weak characters like to hide.