Stories of Life in Laos

I recently been to Laos early 2004, it was nice to compare my experience with that of Mr. Dakins, being that we are as he put it, "in the same age group." By the time Mr. Dakins had his experience in Laos, things have changed very dramatically since his tenure, so its not an exact comparison, (myself being Lao-American). Every step of the way, i tried to imagine his encounters with that of my own experience, and i have some of the same notions, although i never talked politics when i was there, which for me was the first time I've step foot in Laos since my families own exodus some 25 years ago. Mr. Dakins nicely link the present circumstances with that of past, giving a nice history lesson along the way, but especially putting a face on that history made the book ever more interesting. Although my own experiance is one i will never forget, and one i truely love, my return and how i will look upon that return next year(2005)will be effected by Mr. Dakins writing, that is to play less and to imagine more. Being that my own family was mentioned in the book, and being from North Carolina, lets say i have connected well with the literature very well. His experience was almost like my own, the Honda dream from which most of my liaisons occured, the wealthy families that I encountered and their snobbish attitudes, but especially my encounters of the people he considered the lost generation. I enjoyed the book very much, and do recommend it, even though some of the parts i do question.

"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!!!!

Having travelled several times to Asia, but never to Laos, I was intrigued by the journalistic nature of the book. Not only did I learn a heck of a lot about Laos, but was entertained as Brett struggled through many hardships and ultimatedly survived and triumphed during his 2-year experience. His writing style is refreshingly open-minded and honest- The book is very easy to read. I feel like I shared a lot of his experience and would have made many of the same assumptions and mistakes that he did... But I didn't have to leave the comfort of my home! I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

This book is a wonderful read. It takes you to a far away place in Southeast Asia. It gives an in-depth view of the people who have lived in Laos from the point of view of a young American who lived and worked there for two years. Here is a short review of the French colonization of Indochina, the American war in Vietnam, Communism in Asia, immigration to America, the importance of tourism, foreign aid programs, the drug trade. It's all here in the stories of real people: Laotians and foreigners who reside in Laos in the forests of the north, along the Mekong River and in the capital city of Vientiane. This is a must read for students of Southeast Asia, travellers who have been or plan to go to that part of the world and for just about anyone who wants a better understanding of the interaction of people from Europe and America with the people of Asia. Readers will learn a lot about Laos but they will also come away with a very thoughtful understanding of the people who have lived in Laos.

Brett Dakin does a wonderful job of painting a picture of a struggling country and his experiences there. The book is peppered with funny anecdotes... think David Sedaris meets A Year in Provence. You'll find yourself wishing you were on a plane to Vientiane. As a transplanted Lao, I know that's how I felt when I read Mr. Dakin's descriptions of my homeland. This is not your typical book about Laos filled with historical notes and weird spellings. Pick it up. You won't be sorry.