Perfect Spy: The Incredible Double Life of Pham Xuan An, Time Magazine Reporter and Vietnamese Communist Agent – A Gripping Biography of Wartime Espionage in Saigon

When I first went to university in Atlanta, arriving from the North, in the mid-60's, I was struck with the proliferation of car tags with the subject quote, accompanied by the Confederate flag. The same flag was incorporated into numerous flags of the states of the old Confederacy... there were also the ubiquitous statues to "our Confederate dead" in the squares of the small towns throughout the South. It was 100 years after the end of the American Civil War, yet the "lost cause" still had numerous adherents. And I suspect the Vietnam War will be much the same way, with the arguments raging on for a hundred years, a "civil war" within American society. We're more than a third of the way to that 100 year mark now, and the book itself, and Berman's efforts to unravel the truth concerning the enigmatic An is lost, in the partisanship of these reviews. Perhaps it's impossible for any sentient human who lived through that period, or who gave it a subsequent serious examination, to be "non-partisan," certainly myself included. Pham Xuan An did led one of the most incredible lives of the 20th Century. Without any true training in the "arts" of espionage, he was one of the most effective spies of all times. An was loyal to many of his friends, and duplicitous at the same time. He became a trusted friend of General Lansdale who first went to Vietnam on behalf of the CIA in the `50's. It was Lansdale's recommendation that helped An get his visa to study for two years, in Orange Co., CA., the first Vietnamese there, and the place which is now their informal capital, with the influx of refugees after the fall of the South. From Lansdale on, An knew the top leadership of both the South Vietnamese and the Americans, and he was always the essential "go to" source for the American journalists. And all the time he was working for the other side, so effectively that General Giap joked: "We are now in the U.S.'s war room." Overall, despite some caveats below, I believe Professor Berman did an admirable job telling the essentials of this man's story, and interviewing a man who lived a double-life so effectively that he could have been fooling even himself. Berman starts his story, suitably enough, by telling how An, at considerable personal risk to himself, used his influence to save the life of NYT reporter Robert Sam Anson, and ends it with the story of his help to a top South Vietnamese official, Dr. Tran Kim Tuyen, on the last day of evacuations during the fall of Saigon. A "private honor" indeed. On several occasions Berman quotes An as to the motivation for his actions, one that is easy for Americans to understand: he simply did not want Vietnam to be ruled by foreigners, be they French or American. After the American war ended, An was never fully trusted by the Northern leadership--he had been too close to the Americans, and still said injudicious things, and Berman does raise the question: Had he been a double or triple agent? My inclination is to say No. As for the caveats, I felt there were serious ones of omission. Whether we are talking about Iraq, or Vietnam, given factions will use the argument that this particular action "saved American lives." It is an important consideration, certainly on a personal basis, and wouldn't it have been judicious to include a reasonable speculation on how many lives would have been saved if: 1. When Ho Chi Minh went to Versailles in 1919, before he "turned communist," that Woodrow Wilson meant self-determination for ALL people, and not just white ones; 2. After the Second World War, that the USA supported the only faction in Vietnam who supported us during the war, Ho Chi Minh and his band of partisans, and that we answered the letters that he sent the American government, requesting independence from the French colonialists who had collaborated with the Japanese; 3. Or that after their war of independence against the French, that America actually supported the free elections called for in the Geneva accords of 1954, despite President Eisenhower's estimate that 80% of the population would have voted for Ho Chi Minh. A different course at any of these three junctures might have saved 58,000 plus American lives, and three million Vietnamese. Finally, in terms of speculation, there is that haunting picture at the end of the book, of President George W. Bush standing with An Pham, An's son. Omitted from the book was Bush telling the Vietnamese that one of the most significant "lessons" of the Vietnam War is if we had stayed there long enough, we would have won!! Absolutely mind-boggling. An might have saved innumerable American (and Vietnamese) lives simply by having the war end - finally - in 1975. There are a few errors of commission too: "the bulk of them ground combat troops," in reference to 540,000 Americans in Vietnam (p24). The "bulk" of our troops in Vietnam were ALWAYS support troops. It was Nui Ba Den, Black Virgin Mountain, not Ba Den, Black Mountain (p77). "fearful of a scenario such as the invasion by the People's Army of Vietnam that had defeated the French in 1954..." (p133). What invasion? It was there country! I briefly met An in the Majestic Hotel in Saigon in 1994. I was in the company of one of the big name American journalist of the war, unnamed in the book. An was very much still under suspicion for meeting so many Americans, and they had a subsequent private conversation. It was my one and only time in Saigon, despite having spent a year in the country, 1968-69. And that is another point about the book... clearly what happened in Saigon and what was going on in the "field" somewhere in country were related, but they were highly separate worlds, in which journalists feed on the latest rumors, and visited the field from time to time, but rarely saw or experienced the reality that troops in the field did. Completely different versions of the same war. For those who rate the book a 1-star, demonizing An, and his actions as a "Communist," I wonder what they think about the greatest threat to America today, (still!) "Red" China. It is not the military, but the economic threat that should be of utmost concern: all they have to do is stop buying our debt, and there would be financial panic of the worst sort, or stop manufacturing, and the shelves of so many retailers would be empty. A dependency of our own making. Overall, Berman is to be commended for telling this important, essential story of one man's remarkable actions during the war. You sensed that he pushed and prodded, gaining as much as he could elicit, before the veil was dropped again: "... we can go no further on that...". Clearly Berman has empathy for An, but wisely does not accept all aspects of the story at face value. This is the only authoritative book we will ever have on Pham Xuan An, and Berman deserves a full 5-stars for his efforts.

As a compelling book, all that I can say is "Wow!". However, one must remember that wartime espionage is a dirty, brutal business, which is rather UNDERplayed in this book. TV may try to make things look like all fun, fast cars and etc. but when it comes down to it - in war you kill and he who kills the most usually wins. This book shows how a very talented and yes "charming" man from Vietnam was operating as a top level spy, liberally dolling out his powerful influence in the highest decision making circles in South Vietnam and within the U.S. press corp, then sending his reports back to Hanoi. Reading through this history, it's abundantly clear that this one "30 Year Man" - a Vietnamese spy, did tremendous damage to the US/ARVN forces. How many MORE were there doing the same thing? The READING of this book, is truly compelling. You see how this spy swims though a sea of politicians, journalists (his main resource) and even the CIA for decades! He was a master at his craft and unfortunately, 'we' were far too trusting. I can admire his skills & yes, the fact that he fought for his country, as we would fight for ours. However, when his 'brothers', the communist troops invaded the south, he ran begging to his American friends & contacts to rescue (at GREAT RISK) his family, in place of LOYAL friends of the USA left behind to suffer the wrath of HIS invading army. This is a window into a fellow who is SO "charming" that the casualties he personally caused might a l m o s t be overlooked - it was after-all war. Then you see that he is the ultimate 'user', using his 'friends' & their families, not only for his nationalist mission, but also for his personal and family gain, while informing on those who help him in his reports to Hanoi. He used friends, American ex-sweet hearts, the press corp (his main asset) and even the CIA like so many Soi Cowboy whores and yet is so "charming" that people thanked him for the experience - even today. War is war: I got that part, but never confuse a 'charming' person with a 'good' person. My rating for this BOOK is a solid four stars. The book is a well written & compelling read & difficult to put down. >Ray

The perfect Spy, never was a title so appropriate. I had planned to read this for several weeks, then it came across my path once more, and I bought it and began to read it. From chapter one I was so hooked. I have read much and studied the period of 1945 to 1961, so I was somewhat aware of the events leading up to what we called the Viet Nam War. I was aware of the bad stewardship of the French in their period of colonization. I knew about Ho Chi Minh and his efforts to get President Wilson and then again President Truman to help get Viet Nam independence, both times ignored. It was little wonder that he turned to Russia and China, he was not a man to give up. In the early spring of 1962, I found myself in Viet Nam. I knew nothing of Viet Nam at the time, had barely heard of it. But soon I found myself smack dab in the middle of that world. I was teamed with a man who had been in the country since the mid-fifties, an ex-WWII Pacific theater, Korean War veteran, that had been working for several years in Viet Nam, I was basically his assistant. I got to know the politics of that world very quickly. I spent about a week around the Continental Hotel on Tu Do Street. And did some exercises with my new boss, then we went to the Central Highlands. But this is not about me. It is about A quiet unassuming man known as Pham Xuan An. My next week or so was filled with OMG’s and Holy Cows, and wow he did that, and man, no one ever doubted him. And I can’t wait to see what next. After finally last evening finishing Larry Berman’s outstanding story, I had to stop and reflect on how the Viet Nam would flowed if An had not been in the place he was, and who he was. Ap Bac, first came to mind. And all the other sorties flown with helicopters. And his influence on Tet, and his influence in the final months of March and April of 1975, when the communist government were so unsure of themselves about taking over the country. I am not going to tell the story, even if I could, but if you served, or someone you were close to served. You need to read this book. Larry Berman, thank You, my education would have been incomplete in my Viet Nam story without this book, “Perfect Spy, The incredible Double Life of Pham Xuan An, time magazine reporter and Vietnamese communist Spy.” He was a man loved by both his friends and enemies . I will make no judgement of his character, read the story, his character stands for itself. Amazing story about an amazing man, in a troubled time, in a war-torn world.

This well-written book tells the story of one of the most fascinating real-life characters ever. If you like history with a bit of mystery, you'll love this. I give it five stars and two thumbs up. *Spoiler Alert* In early 1953, in the southernmost province of Vietnam, the legendary Le Duc Tho presided over a ceremony in which Pham Xuan An, the subject of this riveting story, became a member of the Communist Party. Shortly afterward, the Party determined An's career. They realized he had the intellect and disposition to become a first-rate spy. For many years to come, An would lead a brilliant double life. As author Larry Berman explains, in the early 1950s, the leaders of the Communist Party fully realized that the United States was in the process of replacing the French colonialists in Vietnam. To the U.S.--in spite of American propaganda--Vietnam was never about the Vietnamese people. It was always about Cold War containment and the incredible task of keeping all of the dominoes in Southeast Asia standing straight. For their part, many of the Vietnamese people had no interest in being told by the French or the Americans that they would not be allowed to determine their own national future. As they had with the French, the Vietnamese would do everything they could to resist the Americans. Secretly, Pham Xuan An and his network would become a powerful component of that resistance. In 1957, An came to Orange Coast College in California where he learned English, became acquainted with American culture, and developed many contacts in the U.S. He even worked for the college newspaper where he made several new friends. Upon returning to Vietnam, An was at first quite nervous. Living in Saigon, he wondered, would he be suspected and arrested? Once he settled down, An began to develop relationships with important Americans and high-ranking leaders within the South Vietnamese government. In the years to come, An worked for the Reuters news service, the New York Herald Tribune, and eventually for Time magazine. All along, he was one of Hanoi's most valuable informants. He didn't have to steal information. It was freely discussed and shared with him by people who considered An a colleague and friend. In short, Pham Xuan An may have been one of the greatest con men and informants ever. For many years, he lived as both a first-rate journalist in Saigon working for American news outlets, and also as a hero of the Communist government headquartered in Hanoi.

First 2/3rds are engaging and fascinating. Glad I read it but the last few chapters seemed like he struggled to find a way to finish this story. It’s a juicy read about someone who may have been one of the most influential characters of the Vietnam war you have never heard of...and one of the greatest spy’s of the 20th century

Clear explanation of how America lost the war in Vietnam. Mister An, although a spy for the North Vietnamese, was a true nationalist for his country. If you truely, openly want to understand every aspect of this war, this is a must read. Our government lied to the American public from the beginning to the end of this war and this book chronicals the lie we were fed. It is amazing that the Vietnamese have become one of our staunchest allies in the far east. But this speaks of their character, which we never botherd to understand, except at the `Grunt` level. This is simply a book that should be read by a whole generation, and generations to come.

As the only Army intelligence analyst in I Corps during the Easter Offensive of 1972, I have a different view of spies for the VC/NVA. We knew that there were many spies for them and we took good care to try and limit any classified information they might receive. Unfortunately, we had the same attitude towards the press (and rightfully so). The endorsements of the book by the media don;t take into account what a spy might pass along to his controllers (and the military result of doing so) and how he/she could easily endear themselves to others in the press (and what they may write) and, say drop a suggestion as to what area might see action soon or a certain person (they heard) was highly disaffected, etc. Since An worked for Time for many years, it would be easily done. There are a few things that should have been explained better (such as the Easter Offensive of 1972 and, though it was Giap's general plan, Le Duan was the First Secretary and ran things. There were 300 KIA and 1500 WIA) in the Easter Offensive. The Boat People and Reeducation Camps show how the S. Vietnamese felt about communism, just as they had when their families left the North for the South in the early 1950s - no mention of this. Break in the Chain Intelligence Ignored is a book about Army intelligence in 1972 - the largest military action in Vietnam by North Vietnam.

I found this book gripped my attention and I had to keep reading until I finished it in two days. I am a Vietnam Veteran of the infantry variety and I found it fascinating how this journalist spy ended up getting so close to many of our leaders in Vietnam. The funny part of it was that he was probably more of a nationalist than a communist. I was later in the Army Security Agency and intercepted communications from that part of the world. It was my opinion then and now that Vietnam could end up becoming much closer to the U.S. And, today they are. You will find this book a good read about how things really were in Siagon during those grinding days of war and bloodshed in the rural regions of the country.

The book arrived earlier than expected and as promised. Very pleasing.

It is hard to understand the US-Vietnam conflict without this book. It is well written and documented. It gives the background and context which explain how the US was so thoroughly beaten and outfoxed by the Vietnamese. The title of the book is no exaggeration. How could a spy so thoroughly infiltrate the US war machine and stay undetected for so many years? All the while passing along details of every major plan and strategy of the US? All in good time for the N Vietnamese to react? And this with no radio or high tech gear? Of great interest too, is the peculiar lack of remorse, once this spy was exposed, on the part of the US media and even government officials who were duped and therefore complicit in the deaths of thousands of their own American youth. Not to mention South Vietnamese. Not only was there lack of remorse, but even financial support and accolades for the spy after the war. How could this happen? This book marks, not the beginning, but rather the first great manifestation of the great divisions we see in US public life today-the self loathing, the media as a policy-making and propaganda tool, the lack of moral compass. The Vietnam war is a greatly underrated and misunderstood milestone in US history. To understand this period one needs to know the dynamics that lurked under the surface but which are not much spoken about today. Similarly, to understand the outcome of WWII one needs to know about the role of the Enigma machine, so in this book you will meet the Enigma machine of Vietnam. Highly recommended.

This is a really informative and interesting account of part of the Vietnam war. I was recommended it by a local who was there in Saigon.

This was recommended to me. But not a lot going on tbh.

faithful book about one of Vietnam's most notable figures in modern history.