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.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

American Literature