Dialectical Duality and Duty

The Sympathizer by Viet Nhanh Nguyen is both horrific and brilliant, the narrative so strong it carries you along as if the writing were effortless, and its stylish quirks become strengths. Once settled into this “confession” I became mesmerized, unwilling to stop reading despite the unflinching, razor sharp description. The main character’s dual nationality and opposing political positions force him to repress his humanity while at the same time trying to realize and celebrate it. … Continue reading →