The quiet American

Graham Greene served with MI6 during World War II and traveled the world extensively both before and after. His experiences really come across in this novel, where the narrator can zero in about the small details of a locale that make it special, as well as provide some insights into life in war zones that only someone with legitimate been-there-done-that experience would have.

While the plot itself centers around a love triangle between a journalist, a Vietnamese woman, and an American operative, that almost seemed like background noise to me. What made the book special was the first person narration - a voice that was reflecting on life in general, life in Vietnam, war, intrigue and numerous other details with an authenticity that can't be fabricated.

Beautifully written and filled with realities of conflict (internal, interpersonal, and between opposing forces) that continue to resonate.

This story, told almost entirely in flashbacks, had a middle section that was too long for me. The rest is a mystery of sorts, and went well enough. The long middle section was a triangle between Fowler (Europe) and Pyle (American) over Phuong (Vietnam), and I see the allegory of the current and approaching wars. It's just that it seemed to drag.

At the time of release, it was seen as Anti-American, but that doesn't fit. It is one of Graham Greene's serious novels, as opposed to his Entertainments (i.e. Our Man in Havana). I have not seen the movie, though I understand the Michael Caine/Brendan Fraser film is far better than the earlier one.

In summary, I rate this 3 stars, and may revisit that after exploring another of his works.