Rediscover a Classic: The Quiet American by Graham Greene

Looking for a thoughtful classic to add to your reading (or listening) list? The Quiet American by Graham Greene is a powerful novel that still feels remarkably relevant today, and you can enjoy it anytime, anywhere with BorrowBox audiobooks.

Set in 1950s Vietnam, The Quiet American blends English noir, American imperialism and political intrigue against a backdrop of a country on the brink of upheaval. The story follows Thomas Fowler, a weary British journalist, and Alden Pyle, a young and idealistic American whose good intentions have dangerous consequences. Through their uneasy friendship, Greene explores themes of loyalty, love, power and the cost of interference.

What makes this novel especially compelling is its foresight. Written before large-scale American involvement in Vietnam, The Quiet American is often described as an amazingly prescient work, offering sharp insights into foreign policy and human nature that still resonate decades later.

With BorrowBox audiobooks, you can get a classic under your belt while you weed the garden or wash the dishes. Try The Quiet American and let Greene’s atmospheric storytelling and moral tension unfold as you go about your day.

Available now through our BorrowBox collection, this is a perfect choice for readers who enjoy literary classics, historical fiction or novels that spark deeper reflection. Log in, press play and rediscover why The Quiet American remains one of Graham Greene’s most celebrated works.