The Committed

Synopsis: The long awaited sequel to The Sympathizer, The Committed continues to follow our nameless narrator as he arrives in Paris as a refugee. Several years have elapsed as The Sympathizer and his blood brother Bon were housed in refugee camps, ultimately fleeing Viet Nam after the end of the war. They try to escape their past and prepare for the future by turning to capitalism: drug dealing. The Sympathizer is both charmed and disturbed by Paris. He falls in with a group of left wing intellectuals and politicians who frequent dinner parties given by his French Vietnamese “aunt,” providing stimulation for his mind as well as customers for his product. His new life has new dangers, however—addiction for one, Algerian mobsters, as well as the unresolvable paradox of how to reconcile his two closest friends.

Review: The Sympathizer was probably my favorite book of 2016. A novel told from the perspective of a Vietnamese double agent, communist sympathizer, and self professed “man of two minds.” I don’t know if you can classify that novel as historical fiction, political satire, or maybe just a good spy thriller, but it was amazing! I would certainly recommend reading it first, not just because it is so good (it is) but because The Committed relies heavily on the relationships and events of it’s predecessor. While The Sympathizer was a spy novel of sorts, The Committed is more like a noir crime novel. Our newly retired spy has spent a year in reeducation camp, and now is rewarded with a new life in France. It is set in Paris, but the grittier side of that city: warehouses, clubs and restaurants controlled by battling gangs. His cover is a waiter in ”the worst Asian restaurant in Paris,” though his new real job is distributing hashish. There is a lot of pain for our hero to endure, both physical and psychological. He really can’t escape his past (ghosts are weightless so you can carry an unlimited amount with you!) His introspection is rife with philosophical ruminations, reflections on the price of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of being human. While not lacking in humor, this was ultimately a bit heavy, so be prepared!

Rating: 4/5

Recipe: Due to the colonial influence of the French, I am certain that “the worst Asian restaurant in Paris” served Banh Mi. This sandwich evolved as the Vietnamese adapted the French tradition of the baguette. However, this roll traditionally would utilize rice flour, making them lighter and chewier. Banh mi can vary in its contents but cold pork, pickled carrots, cucumbers, pate or coriander are common. You can make a vegetarian version using tofu, or individualize as you wish.