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49 pages 1 hour read

William J. Lederer, Eugene Burdick

The Ugly American

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1958

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Before You Read

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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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

285

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sarkhan • 1950s

Publication Year

1958

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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