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Every great literary city exists twice

Looking back on the years first in Saigon, then later in Hanoi, I realise how many Vietnams I have inhabited. The landmarks have become ordinary, street-side cafés have become just another place to answer emails or meet colleagues after work. Graham Greene's Saigon is no longer the city existing chiefly on the streets outside, but it persists in the habits of mind with which I had learned to walk those streets. The novel is a crucial part of any Westerner's apprenticeship to Vietnam.
posted by chavenet on Oct 22, 2026 at 4:57 AM

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Thanks for this. Love Graham Greene's books.
posted by fridgebuzz at 5:43 AM

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You might enjoy Sigh, Gone. Phuc Tran is an excellent writer. It's actually about Saigon, but it made a big impression on me.
posted by theora55 at 10:18 AM

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"Arriving in Vietnam carrying The Quiet American is like showing up at a liberal arts campus with a copy of Infinite Jest under your arm."

Great line, though it would be better then a copy of the 'Ugly American'.
posted by clavdivs at 7:35 PM

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I read all of Greene's short stories and so many are set in southeast Asia I (undeservedly) feel like I've lived there.

(Also The Razor's Edge is my favorite Bill Murray movie.)
posted by hypnogogue at 6:31 AM

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Dad acquired his nickname from The Razors Edge and it is my favorite Maugham story and Murray role, I think his first serious role.
posted by clavdivs at 10:29 PM

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