[Book] The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Book & Audiobook Review
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Book & Audiobook Review:
Listening to The Sympathizer was a unique and challenging experience.
Many books and films have explored the Vietnam War, but this one stands out due to its narrator, a double agent, who is both building a life among refugees in Los Angeles and secretly reporting back to his communist superiors in Vietnam. This duality infuses the story with a constant tension that kept me engaged, even if I occasionally had to rewind to grasp the rapid shifts in narrative.
The audiobook unfolds in jarring episodic bursts, almost like a collage of experiences. There’s a surreal section where the characters are suddenly involved in making a movie about the Vietnam War. At that moment, I honestly thought my audiobook had skipped to another title because of how strange and disjointed it felt. The portrayal of the Vietnamese in the film was both central to the plot and yet oddly peripheral at the same time, adding to the surreal vibe.
What makes The Sympathizer particularly interesting in audio form is the push and pull of the story. One moment, the narrator delves into graphic, highly detailed scenes, only to then pull back with a dash of dark humor or a comical exchange. It was difficult to pin down what the story was truly about at times, but the frenetic energy of the audiobook kept me listening, even if I wasn’t always sure what I had just heard. Despite the complexity, I found myself drawn to the narrative, enjoying the unpredictability of the experience.
One thing worth noting is the accolades the book has received. It’s won numerous awards, which speaks to its impact. If you’ve read or listened to it, I’d be curious to hear your thoughts—especially since there’s now a sequel. Overall, while it required effort to stay on track, I appreciated the distinctive nature of The Sympathizer, and the audiobook brought a certain vividness to the storytelling that might be less pronounced in written form.
Don't miss out on future updates! Subscribe to Best Books & Audiobooks to stay ahead of the latest book & audiobook recommendations, reviews, and listening tips.
Be the first to discover new releases, hidden gems, and must-listen classics. Hit that subscribe button now and never miss your next great listen!