Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos

by Brett Dakin

Release Date: October, 2003

Edition: Paperback

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Another mis-led American?

I highly recommend this book if you want to know what it is like to be a white person in Laos. I don't recommend this book, however, if you are a Laotian who wants to learn about what really is happening in Laos. I don't doubt Mr. Dakin's integrity in his reporting, but I do, however, find much fault in his analysis of his encounters with Lao people. As a Laotian American myself, I was a little disapointed at Mr. Dakin's condescending tone and was diassapointed to find that this was just another one of those, white-guy-writes-about-"exotic"-country books.

I did learn a lot from the book and admire Mr. Dakin's attempt to increase awareness about Laos but I would like, one day, to read a book by a Lao person about Laos.

Excellent Work

"Another Quiet American" is a wonderful book full of insights about a secluded country rapidly transforming as it attempts to open itself to foreign tourism and modernity. The author does a superb job painting a picture of the geography and culture of Laos as well as grappling with questions about its present and future economic state. There aren't many books like this one dealing with Laos in such an insightful and cosiderate manner. Great job!!!!