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49 pages 1 hour read

The Ugly American

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1958

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Book Brief

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William J. Lederer, Eugene Burdick

The Ugly American

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1958
Book Details
Pages

285

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sarkhan • 1950s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick is a satirical novel focusing on the ineffective and culturally insensitive American presence in the fictional Southeast Asian country of Sarkhan during the early years of the Vietnam War. It contrasts the blundering U.S. Ambassador Louis Sears with the competent Russian Ambassador Louis Krupitzyn, highlighting the Americans' failure to understand and engage with the local culture.

Informative

Mysterious

Dark

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick offers a critical look at American foreign policy through engaging storytelling. Reviews commend its insightful portrayal of cultural arrogance and bureaucratic inefficiency, though some criticize its dated perspectives and one-dimensional characters. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking, impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Ugly American?

Readers with a keen interest in political science, international relations, and Cold War history will enjoy The Ugly American by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick. Fans of Graham Greene's The Quiet American or George Orwell's Homage to Catalonia may find its critical insight into American foreign policy compelling.

Character List

Ambassador Louis Sears

A former Senator turned ambassador, Louis Sears is portrayed as loud and insensitive, undermining his position through his ignorance and vanity, which makes him unpopular among the locals.

MacWhite is a competent and committed ambassador who focuses on defeating Communism, characterized by his willingness to learn and adapt, though he faces challenges in implementing his ideas.

Monet is a symbol of the traditional French military presence in Vietnam, adapting his approach to combat after learning from the guerrilla strategies utilized by the locals.

Hillandale is an Air Force Colonel stationed in the Philippines, known for his cultural immersion and use of music and the occult to connect with locals, although this approach raises eyebrows among U.S. officials.

Atkins is a retired engineer brought to Southeast Asia for infrastructure advice, who values humility and pragmatism, showing genuine interest in aiding the local population.

A Catholic priest from Boston, Father Finian works to combat Communism in Burma by leading a group focused on propaganda efforts with a cooperative and trusting approach.

Book Details
Pages

285

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sarkhan • 1950s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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