53 pages • 1 hour read
Viet Thanh NguyenThe Sympathizer
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen follows an unnamed half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy who relocates to Los Angeles after the fall of Saigon, acting as a double agent within the South Vietnamese expatriate community, while chronicling his internal and external conflicts, culminating in a brutal reeducation ordeal. The book contains graphic descriptions of violence and sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Viet Thanh Nguyen's The Sympathizer has garnered substantial acclaim for its gripping narrative and sharp political commentary. Critics praise its unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath, highlighting the depth of the protagonist's dual identity. Some note its dense prose and complex structure as potential challenges. Overall, it is widely regarded as a compelling, thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Sympathizer?
Readers who enjoy complex, morally ambiguous characters and explorations of identity, war, and political upheaval would find The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen compelling. Fans of Graham Greene's The Quiet American and Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried will appreciate the novel's nuanced take on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.