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pziemlewicz's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I don't get the hype. There were good moments, there were slow parts, and scenes sensationalized to turn heads. Personally, I could have done without the teenage protagonist having sex with a dead squid, and his adult self fantasizing about his friend's daughter.
rj_bruce's review against another edition
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Finished this book feeling exactly how the author intended, rattled in a good way.
The prose is elegant and entrapping, the first person perspective of a northern Vietnam spy living in America serves the story exceptionally, especially towards the end.
This was my first book about the Vietnam (American) War and I'm happy it was from a Vietnamese perspective. Difficult, dark, and beautiful, can't recommend enough.
The prose is elegant and entrapping, the first person perspective of a northern Vietnam spy living in America serves the story exceptionally, especially towards the end.
This was my first book about the Vietnam (American) War and I'm happy it was from a Vietnamese perspective. Difficult, dark, and beautiful, can't recommend enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
ekp10's review against another edition
4.0
The book is very well written. The first-person point of view is used as part of the plot and the point of view was changed to fit into the main character's mindset. It's very smart.
The duality question is the book's underlying moral compass. It's very interesting to see how one person's advantage could also be their undoing. There are many good points made, especially about being Asian-American. The immigrant refugee experience, the feeling of not fitting in even with your own people. The question of where one fits in if you identify with multiple group.
This is the first book I read about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese's point of view. I learn a lot and I'm fascinated by the writing. The story is mixed with personal history, cultural myth, and the mass belief, the promise, the American dream. A very good read, although in a more intellectual level, not emotional.
The duality question is the book's underlying moral compass. It's very interesting to see how one person's advantage could also be their undoing. There are many good points made, especially about being Asian-American. The immigrant refugee experience, the feeling of not fitting in even with your own people. The question of where one fits in if you identify with multiple group.
This is the first book I read about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese's point of view. I learn a lot and I'm fascinated by the writing. The story is mixed with personal history, cultural myth, and the mass belief, the promise, the American dream. A very good read, although in a more intellectual level, not emotional.
ktgrier91's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Great spy thriller with well laid out critiques of American capitalism and military complex. Learned more from this book about the Vietnam war than schools ever taught me. Legit funny and entertaining.
mcbibliotecaria's review against another edition
4.0
It felt so rushed at the end, by otherwise like wow. The entire time you don't know who to sympathize with and who the author actually is. The characters are fully fleshed out and engaging, no one is left to the background. And everyone effects the author is someway. I felt there a lot of time and the horrifyingness of the last few chapters were surreal. Highly recommend.
kristenesantos's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
adamsgardner10's review against another edition
5.0
Wow, this was razor-sharp. Smart and intense. Great language and insights on every page, with a few incredible set pieces (the escape from Saigon, the set of the "Apocalypse Now"-like movie) to break up the spy thriller / immigrant story.
lejosie's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
slow-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
3.5
elvaira_ludina's review against another edition
5.0
This was a great book. What an original style mixing tragedy and suffering very crudely while at the same time being bitter and ironically funny. I'm equal parts curious and reluctant about the sequel, because the ending seemed conclusive, but seeing how good this book is, it will probably also be written magnificently
juliahoward's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual violence