Despite its fictional nature, The Quiet American does reflect certain aspects of the political and social climate in Vietnam during the 1950s. It captures the complexity of the conflict, the clash between different ideologies, and the involvement of foreign powers. However, the characters, events, and conversations depicted in the novel are largely products of Greene's imagination and should be treated as such.
For a historically accurate account of the First Indochina War and the events surrounding it, it is essential to consult reputable historical sources, including scholarly works, documentaries, and firsthand accounts from participants and witnesses.