Journal Entry 1 by UrbanSpaceman from Kingston upon Thames, Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, June 03, 2006

This book is part of the following of my reading list projects:

* Observer 100 Greatest Novels [#67]
* 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die [#503]
 

Journal Entry 2 by UrbanSpaceman from Kingston upon Thames, Greater London United Kingdom on Saturday, June 03, 2006

I haven't read that much Graham Greene. Reading The Quiet American makes me realise what a lack that is. Despite being written against a back-drop of events half a century ago, the points it makes about the ambivalent moral standing of superpower politics and foreign policy are still very relevant today.

Set in Vietnam around 1952, the narrative parallels two struggles. The first, a personal one, is that between the cynical British journalist Fowler and the idealistic young American, Pyle, for the affections of Fowler's Vietnamese lover Phuong. The second is a political one relating to the USA's increasing involvement in Indo-China (which will eventually lead to the Vietnam Way).



 

Journal Entry 3 by UrbanSpaceman at Counting House, 50 Cornhill EC3 in City of London (The 'Square Mile' Only), Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (6/13/2006 UTC) at Counting House, 50 Cornhill EC3 in City of London (The 'Square Mile' Only), Greater London United Kingdom

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At the London BC Meetup. 

Journal Entry 4 by soffitta1 from Ávila, Ávila Spain on Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Picked this up at the London meetup, has been on my list to read for ages. I wonder if Urbanspaceman cracked and picked up a book?!

Fab book - Greene captures the situation in Indo-Chine expertly. The English reporter, Fowler, is a flawed narrator, but this only makes him more of a realistic character. The books starts with the news of the death of Fowler's rival for his mistress' affection, an American called Pyle. Pyle is a seemingly green American, who is up to something and his relationship with Fowler is anything but clean cut. Predating the official involvement of Americans in Vietnam, this book is just as relevant in the political situation of today.

Well written book, with human characters.

If you liked this, read A Gun For Sale (also by Greene). 

Journal Entry 5 by soffitta1 at Handed over in person in Kingston-upon-Thames, A friend and potential bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Released 5 yrs ago (6/27/2006 UTC) at Handed over in person in Kingston-upon-Thames, A friend and potential bookcrosser -- Controlled Releases

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Journal Entry 6 by Gitana100 from not specified, not specified not specified on Sunday, October 18, 2009

One of a pile of books given to me by a friend

This book is brilliantly written, this is the first Graham Greene that I have read and I will definiately look for more.
 

Journal Entry 7 by Gitana100 at == Buses, taxis, tube, trains == in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London United Kingdom on Sunday, October 18, 2009

Released 2 yrs ago (10/19/2009 UTC) at == Buses, taxis, tube, trains == in Kingston upon Thames, Greater London United Kingdom

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Left on the train from Kingston to London Waterloo in the first carriage