Submitted by boxer_dogs_dance t3_z91e3b in books

This book is one of my contenders to be remembered over time. The author is intelligent and insightful. The language is beautiful with creative metaphors that are helpful not distracting. The book is a mix of psychological reflection and action. It reminds me of Crime and Punishment but a lot more happens. It starts with the Fall of Saigon and moves to the US. There is combat and espionage and friendship and sex and cruelty and sympathy. I would recommend it to any reader who is willing to subject themselves to the subject matter. As a spy novel this is much more brutal than Clancy or LeCarre. This book is interesting and technically accurate as far as I can tell but it is emotionally intense and does not shrink from gritty realism regardless of the subject matter. I won't spoil it by giving further details, but yes, if you are up for the experience, read this book.

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jwelshuk t1_iyems0c wrote

The sequel is just as good, though different in tone. It failed to make the same impact in terms of awards and mentions in book-of-the-year lists, but don't let that put you off.

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rmarshall_6 t1_iyf1v02 wrote

Agreed, I really liked the second one but they are very different. The sequel almost seems dumbed down if that makes sense. I felt it embraced the spy antics of the first without getting as deep philosophically. Still enjoyable but a different book for sure.

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ChippyHippo t1_iyfcs9q wrote

You should check out The Orphanmaster’s Son by Adam Johnson!

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