Literary · Spy and espionage
The Quiet American
In 1950s Saigon, the cynical British journalist Fowler befriends idealistic American Alden Pyle, then finds Pyle has taken his lover. Against the backdrop of French colonial war, Fowler learns what Pyle is really doing.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1940
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 272
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like short, morally complex novels about politics and personal betrayal.
Skip this if you want an action-led spy thriller.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Quiet American
- What is The Quiet American about?
- In 1950s Saigon, the cynical British journalist Fowler befriends idealistic American Alden Pyle, then finds Pyle has taken his lover. Against the backdrop of French colonial war, Fowler learns what Pyle is really doing.
- Who should read The Quiet American?
- Read it if you like short, morally complex novels about politics and personal betrayal. Skip it if you want an action-led spy thriller.
- How long and how fast is The Quiet American?
- It is a medium-paced, short read of about 272 pages, first published in 1940.
- Does The Quiet American have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, War.
- Can I borrow The Quiet American for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Quiet American; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
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| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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