Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos

by Brett Dakin

In  Another Quiet American , Brett Dakin takes you through the corridors of power and into the living rooms of Laos. Among many others, you'll meet Brett's boss, a wealthy general who strikes fear into the heart of all who hear his name; an aging prince pining for the French colonial past; an American pilot who left home to fight and never returned; and a new generation of Lao who have more money than they can use, but still search for happiness. It's a sympathetic yet irreverent glimpse of one of the world's few remaining communist nations--and a way of life that is fast slipping away. PRAISE FOR  ANOTHER QUIET AMERICAN "A fascinating account, full of sharp insights about a country at a turning point in its history." -  Bangkok Post

"An excellent contribution to a better understanding of life in Asia." -  Far Eastern Economic Review

"One of the most edifying and evocative books available on Laos." -  The Nation

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Asia, Memoir, Biography, History, Cultural

296 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Brett Dakin is the author of American Daredevil: Comics, Communism, and the Battles of Lev Gleason (Chapterhouse) and Another Quiet American: Stories of Life in Laos (Asia Books). His writing has appeared in the New York Daily News, the International Herald Tribune, The Washington Post, Foreign Affairs, and The Guardian. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Brett grew up in London and now lives in New York City with his husband—and their dog, Carl.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book on Suvarnabhum in Bangkok to have something to read on the plane, and I am so glad I did. Having recently returned from my year in Laos I cannot say anything else but: I love this book.
It's fascinating to read about how the Laos I know and love has changed so much in just 15 years. This book speaks of Laos in the way I think about the country, with frustration, love and fascination.

[Leonie Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

After closing my bookshop, I have been challenged with all the books I now have to find space for. During one of these unpacking, repacking sessions, I came across the book Another Quiet American by Brett Dakin. The front cover promised ‘Stories of life in Laos’. I didn’t even know where to find Laos on the map. It was then that my eye caught the quote at the top of the page. “Makes Vientiane jump off the printed page.” – Joe Cummings, author of Lonely Planet Laos. Interest peaked, I set the book aside to read.
Days later I finally got around to the book and assuming it might just be a book of someone living in Laos, who will now try and make it sound interesting, I started on the book. I admit, I didn’t expect much, but after the first page, I knew I was going to read this book to the end.
As Mr Dakin started the book trying to remember his life in Laos, making mention of the bell of the fruit vendor and the fetid smell of mud after a rain storm, you find yourself walking alongside him, experiencing the sounds and the smells.
At the end of the formal education Mr Dakin enjoyed, he was ready for a new challenge, but most importantly, he wanted a change in his life. He wanted to escape his comfortable life he was born into, and what better way of doing this, than applying for a position as a language and marketing consultant at the National Tourism Authority in Laos.
You get to meet the people of Laos and you celebrate the festivities with them. And as Joe Cummings quoted, Vientiane was jumping off the printed page. What jumped off the pages for me, was the contrasting worlds we all live in. What is normal for me, is not normal or a daily occurrence to the person in the next country, even if we share a border.
One paragraph I enjoyed, was “I relished this ephemeral quiet before the quotidian chorus of roosters, children, dogs, and motorbikes erupted”. Such beautiful words and if you sit quietly for a second, you can experience that ephemeral quiet.
Throughout the book, Lao proverbs have been added, and I found myself pondering some of these. ‘One fish can spoil an entire basket; the sound of a single gong can fill the whole city’.
This is a work of non-fiction, but the read was comfortable. Brett takes his readers along on a road of discovery. You will get to know the life in Vientiane after the war and experience how this impacted the lives of the Lao residents.

[Abra Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A young, just graduated from college guy decides to take a job in Laos. He comes from a well-to-do family and has had every advantage in life but just doesn't feel ready to enter the working world yet. He sees an advertisement for a tourism marketing position in Laos. This book is about the two years spent there. He tells the story through his relationships with others while there and he clearly develops a love for the people, the culture, and the country. The people are quiet and laid back and seldom complain even as their country does little for them, is oppressive with no free press, and the leadership is reaping the personal advantages of foreign aid to the country. There are no huge exciting moments in the book and at times I would find my attention waning; however, I did like learning about the history of Laos and the people and I did like the book. There's very little written on this country, according to the author, so I would recommend this book if you like learning about the world.

[Maryannkeon · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was traveling in Laos when I read this and it gave me some interesting insight and perspective.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

V interesting but a bit toooo personal at times for me

[James Cho · Rating 4 out of 5]

I envied the way this book was written and published easily enough. This probably has to do with the potential readers in English, more than anything. After having read it, it was not more than personal experiences, but well written enough for the audience whose main motive to pick up this book is common interest in Laos. I have been also in romantic relationship with Laos on and off for more than 10 years, therefore, I probably can provide more detailed information than this book. However, I didn't get to write a book about Laos, but he did, mainly because it had more potential for publication than I might have. I envied this fact although I would never sit down to write a book about the third world country just because it was fascinating. I had to give the writer credits for this because I had never dreamed of writing a book about a strange country just not to forget all the experiences. It was rather comfortable reading based on the writer's personal experiences than information on Laos itself.
I would give credits for this, but once again, the book is not for information. At least, I was happy to have encountered similar interests and taste for a certain country most of general population have never even heard of. It felt like book exchange with writer himself, to describe my feelings toward the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and relive Laos just like the writer probably did when he wrote this. Like he said, Laos is a hidden jewel still left somewhat intact in the world. I enjoyed reading the book, just like I did living in Laos.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

It says a huge amount about this book that it is still readily on sale (and purchased), not least in Laos itself and neighbouring Thailand. I've spent half my life here in Vientiane and I continue to recommend this book 22 tears since its initial publication. Anybody working closely with Lao in an official capacity appreciates that Brett doesn't gloss over the experiences which are not always 'Simply Beautiful' (the last Visit Laos slogan). The tourist office where Brett worked is still there -- although you'll find few tourists who know it's there at all, or even that there is one. On the main axis of the capital, you have to look for it; and if you want to talk to anybody there, you need climb the stairs and open a few doors. You won't be chased away -- Lao don't do that and there is very little in the way of security in any government office. And people will chat with you -- preferably in Lao, but some speak good French and a smaller number reasonable English. You'll get the façade -- to delve beneath it, read this book. Brett's experiences remain as relevant today, with Southeast Asia's first high-speed railway about to join Vientiane with China, as in the 1990s, when Brett wrote. Laos remains one of the last frontiers. Worth a visit when the borders and flights reopen -- in the meantime, read this book.

[Dillon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book serves as a memoir for Brett Dakin's time spent working for the Laos' Government National Tourist Authority from 1998-2000. He uses a series of vignettes describing his work life, his love life, and many of his friends - both Lao and foreign - to use as a backdrop to discuss Laotian culture and life in general. It was difficult to read the book objectively, as many of his experiences working and living in Vientiane parallel my experiences as PC Volunteer in China. Throughout the book I often found myself often agreeing with his descriptions of the challenges and joys of living and working in an Asian culture as a foreigner. Would recommend if you are interesting in Lao or Laotian culture, or life in SE Asia.

[Nancy Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1997, after graduating from Princeton, the author spends 2 years working in Laos as a marketing consultant to the National Tourism Authority - something he knows nothing about and the government apparently has no idea what it expects. This is is a collections of stories and observations of his time there and they give a youthful, wide-eyed view of a country that most Americans know little about. Things have changed since he was there, but it is still a great background book for travel to SE Asia.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A snapshot of life in Laos, from the perspective of a young American volunteer living in Vientiane and working with the National Tourism Authority. Much has changed when this was written in 1999, but much is also similar. More people and better roads nearly 20 years later, but NGOs and consultants and the government still face similar issues and work in similar ways. An interesting and engaging collection of short essays that provide a rich insight into Laos history and culture.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

O.K., I am biased. I am currently a volunteer teacher in Laos and this book is about as good an introduction to the people and the country as you are going to get. Mr. Dakin is the naive young American who comes to Laos to offer his services in any way he can - and the trials and tribulations which ensue. An interesting introduction to Laos and it's people by someone who cares.

[Alix · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book about Laos. I wouldn't necessarily call it a compelling read as it's a bunch of snippets from the author's two years in Laos, but it is very accurate and provides a lot of info about a country that the rest of the world knows very little about. A good book if you want to look see a culture quite alien from western life.

[Lori Watson koenig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good depiction of life in laos in modern times (I guess..I haven't been there). I learned alot about Laos from reading this book. I was particularly interested in Royal family influences and roles and the author was able to fit that and alot more information in the book without making it feel like a history textbook.

[Ian McHugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an enjoyable book on Laos - it's culture, history, and contemporary society and politics. It gives good insights into the workings of the country through the eye of an expat American who has a two-year job in Vientiane. If you're visiting the country or wish to know more about it then I'd recommend.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great snapshot of life in Vientiane, Laos prior to the 'tourist boom'. Also a good look into what it is like to live and work in a developing country.
I thouroughly enjoyed it particularly because I currently work for a non-profit just across the Mekong.

[Dominic · Rating 3 out of 5]

An amazing insight into Laos and it's people. I went to Laos earlier in the year and had no idea about the political turmoil and policies in place. It appears that government are very clever with their cover ups.

I found the discussion of Laos communism pretty interesting. A decent read.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've had difficulty finding any books about Laos, so when I picked this one up, I wasn't expecting much. But I enjoyed all of the author's vignettes about his time working in Laos, and I hope it gave me a glimpse into Lao culture.

[Seng]

it was an excellent read!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glimpse of life and politics in Vientiane around 2000 by a young Princeton grad. Useful reading, especially since not many books exist about Laos.

[Ana-Maria Bujor · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 3.5 stars, but I really enjoyed the way it took me back to the streets of Vientiane. I bought this book in Laos last year to better understand how things have changed within the last 20 years and the book does deliver in that regard. Some things are the same, some are better, some are hard to tell.
The book is written with respect to the country and its people, but there still is warranted criticism. I also like the criticism directed at the expat community and international aid. Good intentions don't always lead to good results.
All in all a good introduction to a little-known country, though much of it is outdated now. The country is much safer and easier to navigate currently as a tourist. But some of the issues in the book remain.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy introduction to Laos. As others have mentioned, it is the account of a privileged young American who spend two years working for the National Tourist Association in Laos. Brett Darin weaves an interesting tapestry of Laos history, the contemporary situation of Laos in the late 1990s, his Lao friends and colleagues and characters in the expatriate community. Dakin is observant and self-aware as well as generous in his opinions. His writing is on point, and at times funny.
I would gladly read more of his writing.

[Renee Reimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I could give this book a 3.5 or 3.75 out of 5 stars, I would, but am being generous given the rarity of subject material in Laos and the occasional flashes of poetry in the author’s writing.

The book is for the most part a well-written exploration of Laotian society prior to the larger economic boom. The author does write with some apparent bias but it is quick to admit it of his own accord. Some parts unfortunately drag a little bit or alternatively seem a little too embellished. But overall it’s a beautiful read, if not one I would read again.

[Jesse Northcoat · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This was a fragile environment, and I could feel the specter of development encroaching on its pristine beauty. But not just yet. Today there were only a handful of vehicles on the road: rickety trucks transporting goods, and large passenger pick-ups to which wooden benches had been precariously attached.”

[salta · Rating 1 out of 5]

Being honest expected more from this book as the book about white privileged Ivy League graduate guy starting his professional journey from third world communist country as Laos, but storytelling required more emotionally better explanation and lack of empathy to the culture itself which made the book very boring to read

[Aditya Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this just as my time in Laos was coming to an end. Highly relatable to expats who’ve spent some time in the country. Does a great job in touching on the various experiences of life in Laos. So glad I got a hold of this!

[MsSwisis · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Vientiane still took a moment to celebrate two things that never seemed to change: the beauty of a full moon and the glory of the Mekong.’

[Maria Servidone · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in a hostel while traveling in Laos, and it helped me understand / come to terms with the experiences I was having while traveling there

[Marc Udoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was collection of essays which tell the story of one young expat's understanding of Laos. Although the essays are independent of each other, reading it weaves together an understanding of what Laos was like in 2000, and apparently not much has changed. This book is very well written an you end up really feeling like you too have been lived in Vientiane. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting south east Asia, especially Laos.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not great but not horrible. Sort of like reading someone's travel journal which I would have found interesting for about 30 pages. I like reading about parts of the world a cultures I don't know much about. This book gave what I thought was a good snippet of regular life in Laos. I also liked getting the history of the region.

[Anthony Nelson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book written by a 27 year old about his adventures from 21-23. I imagine I would have enjoyed it a great deal more if I'd read it at a younger age before traveling a lot myself.

It has some value as a relatively rare book about Laos, but I'd only read it if you have very little experience traveling in Southeast Asia.