Ward Just's twelfth novel penetrates deeply into America's role in the world. Set in Indochina in 1965, A DANGEROUS FRIEND tells a story of "the de...
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reviews
Jun 19, 2009
Bill
rated it: 
The dangerous friend is Sydney Parade a 30 some, idealistic American in Viet Nam in the early 60s. Parade is there to win the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese through a nation building NGO. Rostok, a cynical bureaucrat who may be CIA and who cooperates with the military is Parade's boss. The problem is Parade, and his fellow Americans both military and non-military, have no clue about how to proceed.
Dede and Claude Armand own a rubber plantation in Viet Nam. There, they enjoy wha More...
Dede and Claude Armand own a rubber plantation in Viet Nam. There, they enjoy wha More...
Sep 10, 2009
Gayla
rated it: 
I finished reading the book. How do I feel? Sad. Still confused. Maybe even some denial going on. I just don't want to think that any country would go in and bomb a village because they wanted to "get even". Simply because of a pride factor. So, I say to myself, "Gayla - this was a fiction story, and written with every ounce of the authors own prejudices involved.". I want to believe that our government uses common sense, and we fight with dignity and pride and honor.
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Mar 01, 2011
Bambi
rated it:
This book was interesting on a number of levels. Told from the perspective of a civilian bureaucrat in the early years of the Vietnam war, this book discusses some aspects of Vietnamese history that are generally lacking in typical "war stories." I learned quite a bit about the complex relationship between France and Vietnam, and about Vietnam's relationship to most of the world. There are some terrific insights into Vietnamese culture as well.
I've rated the book three sta More...
I've rated the book three sta More...
Mar 10, 2011
RUSA
rated it: 
This was one of the 2000 RUSA Notable Books winners. For the complete list, go to http://ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/rusa/award...
Oct 19, 2010
Glenn
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NY Times notable book. A look at Viet Nam through a naive beaurocrat's perspective. Interesting and unique.
May 11, 2009
Janet
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I read another book by Ward Just that was pretty slow. This is a better story, I think
Nov 29, 2008
A great book about a human experience in Vietnam from an outstanding writer.
Apr 07, 2008
S.
rated it:
It's kind of a left-handed compliment but this leaves little disbelief to be suspended. It's so low-key, a trick for a plotline that, rightly appreciated, is devastating.
Ward Just is really an excellent writer and his characters are well-drawn. Still, just three stars. Very solid but I would have appreciated just a little pizazz here or there. But the real reason the 4th star is missing is this didn't hit as close to home as "The Translator."
Ward Just is really an excellent writer and his characters are well-drawn. Still, just three stars. Very solid but I would have appreciated just a little pizazz here or there. But the real reason the 4th star is missing is this didn't hit as close to home as "The Translator."
Aug 13, 2009
Marta
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. It was good before bed reading but it didn't blow my mind.
Aug 31, 2007
Jen
rated it:
Haunting. This book has stayed with me, not only for the picture painted of Vietnam early on in the US "intervention" there, but also for the description of complicated relationships between expatriates. And of course because it is such an indictment of a certain kind of American.
Jan 15, 2010
Jim
rated it:
A peek into the early years of the Vietnam War when intentions were good, idealism and naïveté were high, and no one knew what to do or what they were getting into. Beautifully and lushly realized with tragic characters and heart-wrenching consequences. Highly recommended.
Aug 11, 2008
Naomi
rated it:
Set in colonial Viet Nam, just before the war.
I would love to read more books by Ward Just.
I would love to read more books by Ward Just.
Feb 10, 2012
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