THE QUIET AMERICAN

by Graham Greene
THE QUIET AMERICAN cover
Good Books rating 4.22
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 8135
  • Added: 2025-12-20
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781409017400
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-10-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, 'The Quiet American' delves into the complex dynamics of colonialism, idealism, and the cost of intervention. The novel explores the moral ambiguity of its characters, particularly through the lens of Fowler, a seasoned journalist, and Pyle, a naive American agent. /n/n The book is not just a political thriller but also a deep character study, examining the personal and professional conflicts that arise in a war-torn country. With an introduction by Zadie Smith, this novel is recognized as one of the BBC's 100 Novels That Shaped Our World, highlighting its enduring impact on literature and political discourse.

Reviews
Reddit - r/literature · u/UnknownUser · 2025-12-22
engaging 4.20

Greene's characters are imbued with depth and complexity, making them relatable and intriguing. The novel's exploration of cynicism and weariness adds a layer of emotional depth.

The Reddit user praises Greene's ability to create characters with depth and complexity, noting how this enhances the overall narrative. They particularly appreciate the portrayal of Fowler's cynicism and weariness, which adds emotional depth to the story. The user finds the novel's exploration of these themes to be both engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting Greene's skill in crafting a compelling and nuanced narrative. The setting in Vietnam during the 1950s provides a rich backdrop that enriches the characters' experiences and the themes they embody.

Quick quotes

    Greene manages to imbue his characters with a depth and complexity beyond their base characteristics.

    Fowler's cynicism and weariness add a layer of emotional depth.

    The novel's exploration of these themes is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Indiependent · 2025-07-10
cautionary 4.00

The novel serves as a cautionary tale against naivety and ideological commitment in foreign policy. It is a timeless exploration of the dangers of unwavering belief in a so-called 'greater good'.

The reviewer from Indiependent emphasizes the novel's relevance as a warning against the pitfalls of naivety and ideological rigidity in foreign policy. Set against the backdrop of the French Indochina war, the story delves into the complexities of moral and political choices. The reviewer appreciates Greene's ability to create a narrative that is both historically significant and universally applicable, highlighting the timeless nature of its themes. The novel's characters and their struggles serve as a mirror to the broader issues of the time, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Graham Greene's 1955 classic The Quiet American warns against naivety and an unwavering ideological commitment to a so-called 'greater good' in foreign policy.

    The novel's characters and their struggles serve as a mirror to the broader issues of the time.

    The story delves into the complexities of moral and political choices.

Reading Matters Blog · 2023-12-12
rich 4.20

Set against the backdrop of the French Indochina war, the novel is a rich tapestry of reflection, humor, and tragedy. It's a multifaceted exploration of human experiences and political ideologies.

The reviewer from Reading Matters Blog notes that The Quiet American is a multifaceted novel that weaves together various themes and emotions. Set in the 1950s during the French Indochina war, the story follows a jaded English journalist, Thomas Fowler, as he navigates the complexities of war and personal relationships. The novel is praised for its rich tapestry of reflection, humor, and tragedy, making it a compelling read. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are both engaging and thought-provoking. The political and moral dilemmas presented in the book are seen as highly relevant, offering a profound commentary on the human condition.

Quick quotes

    The Quiet American is a very rich novel, that does a lot in a short amount of time, it's reflective, morose, decaying, funny, absurd, naive, and tragic.

    Set in the 1950s, against the backdrop of the French Indochina war, The Quiet American tells the story of a jaded English journalist, Thomas ...

    Everything that the British reporter, Fowler, sees of the war, of ...

Karissa Reads Books · Karissa · 2021-04-28
thought-provoking 4.50

The Quiet American excels in its deep exploration of human nature and the complexities of belief. It's a thought-provoking read that challenges the reader's perspectives.

Karissa highlights how Greene's novel delves into the intricacies of human nature, particularly how individuals can convince themselves of certain beliefs. The book is praised for its ability to make the reader question their own convictions and the motivations behind them. The setting in Vietnam adds a layer of political and moral complexity that enriches the narrative. The characters are well-crafted, and their interactions are both engaging and thought-provoking. Overall, the novel is seen as a profound exploration of love, innocence, and morality, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    As with Greene's best novels, The Quiet American is at its best in its examination of human nature.

    What can a person convince themselves of?

    The Quiet American is a thought-provoking read that challenges the reader's perspectives.

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