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laura_de_leon's review against another edition
5.0
Amazingly well written-- all the literary devices actually add to the story-telling. The characters are compelling, particularly the line the protagonist walks. The book really brings light to the contradictions of life for a Vietnamese refugee immediately following the Vietnam War.
It was not an enjoyable experience, but I'm very glad I read this book.
It was not an enjoyable experience, but I'm very glad I read this book.
swordandpenguin's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
bethrad's review against another edition
3.0
Started off strong, but I ended up really not enjoying this. The story particularly started to drag for me about halfway through (I think?) when the main character has returned to California after working as a consultant on a film, and is informed that the woman he was casually sleeping with has fallen in love with an acquaintance of his who he doesn’t like (in part because the acquaintance can be open about who he is and where his sympathies lie). About that film- I completely understand why a Vietnamese/Vietnamese-American would hate Apocalypse Now, but I found it odd that the film was subjected to far more direct vitriol in the book than the actual CIA. This aspect of the book would’ve been better served as a separate short fiction.
An element that particularly rankles is that both throughout The Sympathizer itself and in interviews included in the edition I read, Nguyen criticizes the widespread practice of characterizing Vietnam as a suffering woman, yet three of the six or seven female characters in the book are raped AS A METAPHOR for the atrocities inflicted on the country of Vietnam. I am beyond tired of the overuse of rape as pivotal plot point/character motivation (for male characters)/metaphor. The characterization of women in this book falls very overtly into the madonna/whore trap.
Oh, and I’m still wondering why this turn of phrase, which is part of a description by the narrator of the racist white professor of “Oriental Studies” he works for, was necessary- “As usual, he reclined in an overstuffed leather club chair that enfolded him like the generous lap of a black mammy.” WHAT. This was published in 2015, not 1915. Who thought that was a good analogy to use?
An element that particularly rankles is that both throughout The Sympathizer itself and in interviews included in the edition I read, Nguyen criticizes the widespread practice of characterizing Vietnam as a suffering woman, yet three of the six or seven female characters in the book are raped AS A METAPHOR for the atrocities inflicted on the country of Vietnam. I am beyond tired of the overuse of rape as pivotal plot point/character motivation (for male characters)/metaphor. The characterization of women in this book falls very overtly into the madonna/whore trap.
Oh, and I’m still wondering why this turn of phrase, which is part of a description by the narrator of the racist white professor of “Oriental Studies” he works for, was necessary- “As usual, he reclined in an overstuffed leather club chair that enfolded him like the generous lap of a black mammy.” WHAT. This was published in 2015, not 1915. Who thought that was a good analogy to use?
pinebluffchick's review against another edition
4.0
Saigon has fallen and been evacuated. Among the refugees is a general, his family, and his right hand man, who is a spy for the Vietnam communists. The general plans to put together an army of refugees who will overtake the Vietnamese communist government. Of course, all is being reported back to the regime. The author gets a little wordy and major star points off for not using quotation marks.
ashleyraynor's review against another edition
2.0
I personally couldn’t get through the book, for me it was just to long winded unfortunately. I made it halfway through in hopes of it picking up the pace a bit, but to no avail, so I gave up (and I rarely give up when it comes to books).
zach_connolly's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Physical abuse, Racism, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Murder, and War
eily_may's review against another edition
4.0
This was an extraordinary book. Exquisitely written, at times disturbing and profoundly thought-provoking. As one of the first wars carried out in the public spotlight of the media, it is impossible not to have a degree of awareness of the horrors of the Vietnam War. This book gives a truly unique insight, written from the perspective of a Communist sympathiser double agent. He is a character at times pitiable, at times reprehensible but ultimately just as human as the rest of us. A great read, would definitely recommend!
minniesun's review against another edition
4.0
a slow burn!! very dense but kind of addicting towards the end
uncommongrace25's review against another edition
Writing was good but the character was highly unlikeable. Stopped midway.