A review by gilroi
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 This is a book of incredible conviction and literary depth, to say nothing of its deep political commitment. A lesser novel would use the central conceit-- the spy who sees from the perspective of both sides of the war-- to flinch from political commentary, playing a both-sides game where it can't lose, but neither can it win. Nguyen wisely takes the risk to give credit and criticism to every part of a conflict that's much more than two-sided. Complex and multi-layered, this is a heart-wrenching, hilarious, disgusting, sexy, depressing and enlivening book.

I only wish it used punctuation marks! I know the choice is stylistic, and thus stylistically valid, but books without punctuation are very difficult for me to read (thus the fact that this book took me a year to complete!) due to learning disabilities. I ended up only able to finish as an audiobook, voiced by the immensely talented Francois Chau, whose performance leant even more depth, texture, and feeling to the narrative.