Setting for the war novels "The Sympathizer" and "The Women," informally

Answer:

NAM

Hint:

This Southeast Asian country was divided at the 17th parallel and became a major Cold War battleground in the 1960s-70s.

Explanation:

This clue refers to the Vietnam War, which is the backdrop for both The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen and The Women by Kristin Hannah. "Nam" is a common informal short form of "Vietnam," often used in American English, especially when talking about the war. The answer plays on this well-known nickname rather than the full country name.

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General solving tip

When a clue says 'informally,' 'slangily,' or 'casually,' think slang, clipped forms, or texting abbreviations. Try the short casual word you'd use in speech or a message.

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