A book which came alive

Having lived in SE Asia since 1984, and for 5 years in Vietnam I have read Greene's book on the beginnings of the American War many times. The characters of the book while dated are somewhat contemporary. Phuong is a person who characterises the mind of a young Asian woman. What one characterises as "Love" can be misconstrued as something else in the shallow Western mind. Americans still try to change the world to their own viewpoint. Modern examples are South America, Iraq, Syria etc. Some of this thinking is somewhat jaded, however still remains. This book is amongst one of Greene's best. He has captured the deceptive gentleness of the Asian mind which has a steely edge despite the truth of tenacity and calculation. So, beware of those thin

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4 people found this helpful

typical intense and cynical Graham Greene

a perceptive story about US meddling in French indochina in the 1950s. the narrators relationship with the Quiet American is very complex , mixed up between politics and the shared love of a Vietnamese woman.
the narration was clear but it would have been much better with a change of inflection or accent between some of the characters.

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Haunting

You can see why this book is a classic. Like most historical fiction there are elements of Greek tragedy as a backdrop to the story. In this case a little known period in the lead up to the Vietnam war

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A peerless novel from the master storyteller

The novel is flawless. There isn't a single misplaced word and it brims with tension throughout. I haven't found such a great novel in a long time.
The characters jump off the page and will stay with you long after the last page is turned.
There's a reason why this is considered a classic and it certainly lives up to its reputation and more.
The novel is also strangely prescient, accurately predicting the quagmire the US would soon embroil itself in Vietnam over the two decades which followed its publication.

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Greene proves his reputation.

Absolutely wonderful! Greene at his very best. I doubt anyone could top this! Narration pitch perfect!!

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Classic performed beautifully

This is a great work and is narrated superbly. Riveting listen and one of my favorite audiobooks.

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Great Graham Greene

Love this author. Reliable, honest, characters. Fabulous scenes of Vietnamese life during American occupation.

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Thought provoking book

Loved the narration, listened to it twice, couldn't get enough. A finely woven tale interlaced with ethical dilemmas that leave you torn. Historical background made me greedy for more information about Vietnam, colonialism and the long war in the country. Graham Greene, the consummate story teller, leaves me desperate for more of his stories. Simon Cadell gives a perfect reading. Totally enjoyable.

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Amazing

Fascinating novel. Deeper and more profound than its overview of colonial Vietnam suggests. An introspection on the human condition.

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Raw, emotive and other worldly

Having read Kim Philby spy story and hearing this author's name I was keen to read the classic. No wonder it is one. Journalistic at times, yet exposing emotional rawness and feeling while spinning a tale of the exploitive presence of the then Colonial powers in Vietnam. The benefit of historical hindsight throws a different world view upon this. The authenticity of such a clipped narrator adds to enjoyment.

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