John Nichol answers “Having a hard time getting into this one. ...”

Tammy asked this question about The Sympathizer (The Sympathizer, #1):

Having a hard time getting into this one. Maybe because my schedule is too busy for more than 10 pages at a time. Did anyone else feel this way? Is it worth my time to push through?

John Nichol It’s very readable and I enjoyed it. A first person narrative drawing on a number of resources. It’s not autobiographical. It has a good dramatic tens…moreIt’s very readable and I enjoyed it. A first person narrative drawing on a number of resources. It’s not autobiographical. It has a good dramatic tension and some fine sections of sustained interesting expression.

It explores the area of cultural and intercultural relationships which are more defined by criticising stereotyping and cultural identities are more delineated implicitly through immersion with a few shocking interfaces ( especially scenes where his literal bastardry emerge)

The political narrative does not surprise me as I have already read some books on this subject. Similarly with a religious theme which of course intersects with the question of genuine morality. The male psyche is pretty much dominant in romantic forays.

The last fifty pages are intentionally disturbing as it relates to torture and I supposed he could be excused from being prurient as he appears to try to weave the above aspects into dabbling in mind theory.

Discussion question for half way through the first glass of wine: Incorporate the above themes in explaining “ why do you do what you do?”
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