Cover of the book The Sympathizer
Bestseller book
Critically acclaimed
Has film adaptation
Buy on Amazon

Already read? Rate it!

Who is this book for? Readers interested in complex narratives about identity, war, and espionage.

Topics Viet cong agentEspionageImmigrationIdentityWar aftermathSpyingCultural adaptationBetrayalRefugee experienceDual loyaltySurvival
MoodSuspenseful, Dark
RomanceMinor Subplot
ViolenceModerate
WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FICTION 2016 WINNER OF THE EDGAR AWARD FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL 2016 WINNER OF THE CARNEGIE MEDAL FOR EXCELLENCE IN FICTION 2016 'A fierce novel written in a refreshingly high style and charged with intelligent rage' Financial Times It is April 1975, and Saigon is in chaos. At his villa, a general of the South Vietnamese army is drinking whiskey and, with the help of his trusted captain, drawing up a list of those who will be given passage aboard the last flights out of the country. The general and his compatriots start a new life in Los Angeles, unaware that one among their number, the captain, is secretly observing and reporting on the group to a higher-up in the Viet Cong. The Sympathizer is the story of this captain: a man brought up by an absent French father and a poor Vietnamese mother, a man who went to university in America, but returned to Vietnam to fight for the Communist cause. A gripping spy novel, an astute exploration of extreme politics, and a moving love story, The Sympathizer explores a life between two worlds and examines the legacy of the Vietnam War in literature, film, and the wars we fight today. 'A bold, artful and globally minded reimagining of the Vietnam war . . . The Sympathizer is an excellent literary novel, and one that ends, with unsettling present-day resonance, in a refugee boat where opposing ideas about intentions, actions and their consequences take stark and resilient human form' the Guardian 'Beautifully written and meaty' Claire Messud '[A] remarkable debut novel . . . In its final chapters, The Sympathizer becomes an absurdist tour de force that might have been written by a Kafka or Genet' New York Times 'This debut is a page-turner (read: everybody will finish) that makes you reconsider the Vietnam War ... Nguyen's darkly comic novel offers a point of view about American culture that we've rarely seen' Oprah.com (Oprah's Book Club Suggestions)

Language

en

Published on

21/04/2016

Format

Paperback

ISBN

9781472151360

Price Comparison

More books by Viet Thanh Nguyen and Francois Chau

Show all

Books similar to The Sympathizer

If you enjoyed readingThe Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen, Francois Chau, you may also like some of the following books.


Espionage Thrillers

Espionage Thrillers offer a world of spies, secrets, and international intrigue. These fast-paced tales are perfect for readers who love complex plots filled with deception and high-stakes action.

Show all

Award Winning Literature

Step into the world of **Award Winning Literature books**, where every page resonates with excellence and acclaim. These books have not only captured the hearts of readers but have also been recognized by prestigious literary awards.

Show all

Historical fiction

Step back in time with our captivating selection of historical fiction books. From the intrigue of the Renaissance to the tumultuous eras of the twentieth century, these narratives bring history to life with vivid storytelling and rich detail.

Show all

Crime

Step into the thrilling world of crime books, where suspense and mystery keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're a fan of gritty urban tales or psychological mind-benders, our collection of crime novels offers something for every reader.

Show all

Drama

Immerse yourself in the world of drama books, where compelling narratives and complex characters await. Whether you're seeking heart-wrenching tales or thought-provoking sagas, drama literature offers a rich tapestry of human emotions and experiences.

Show all