The quiet American.

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211 orrialde

1960ko abu. 6a(e)an Heinemann(e)n argitaratua.

OCLC zenbakia:
6494534

OpenLibraryn ikusi

5 izar (2 berrikuspen)

One of Graham Greene's best works. The story is set at the time of the French war against the Viet Cong and tells the story of liberal British journalist Thomas Fowler, his mistress Phuong, and their relationship with American idealist Pyle. The latter is an earnest young man indocrinated with geo-political theory and whose attempts to shape the world to American ideals ends in his own personal tragedy and drastically alters the lives of the other two participants. Written before the US involvement in Vietnam this is a strangely prophetic work and seriously encapsulates the British viewpoint towards that conflict. A beautifully written book and highly recommended.

47 edizio

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Authentic and Beautifully Written

5 izar

Graham Greene served with MI6 during World War II and traveled the world extensively both before and after. His experiences really come across in this novel, where the narrator can zero in about the small details of a locale that make it special, as well as provide some insights into life in war zones that only someone with legitimate been-there-done-that experience would have.

While the plot itself centers around a love triangle between a journalist, a Vietnamese woman, and an American operative, that almost seemed like background noise to me. What made the book special was the first person narration - a voice that was reflecting on life in general, life in Vietnam, war, intrigue and numerous other details with an authenticity that can't be fabricated.

Beautifully written and filled with realities of conflict (internal, interpersonal, and between opposing forces) that continue to resonate.

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Review of the Quiet American

5 izar

I read this quite soon after reading his 'End of the Affair'. Quite a lot of common themes, Catholicism and faith (and ambivalence about this), intense love and betrayal, both books are set against the background of war, plus also here there is colonialism, age and cynicism. Anticipates the American involvement in Vietnam. A bit of a thriller too and a great read.