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A review by dmichb
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This one took me a while to finish, in part because it is sort of stream-of-consciousness (dialogue is not separated or marked by quotations), which my dyslexic brain struggled with at times. The other contributing factor is that the prose is so detailed and gripping—you don’t want to miss a thing.
This is really an incredible and visceral book. I am in awe of the story crafting and the ride it takes you on, while weaving in very real situations. My only question is why didn’t the author give Fanon a little shoutout since there are mentions of other theorists, but I digress. Absolutely worth a read!
This is really an incredible and visceral book. I am in awe of the story crafting and the ride it takes you on, while weaving in very real situations. My only question is why didn’t the author give Fanon a little shoutout since there are mentions of other theorists, but I digress. Absolutely worth a read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Obviously if you read the synopsis it is clear this book will talk about war and violence, but there is also a detailed depiction of rape near the end of the book so be forewarned.