52 pages • 1 hour read
Dust Child
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Vietnam • 1960s
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai interweaves the lives of three characters: Phong, an Amerasian man seeking his parents; Trang, a Vietnamese woman involved with Dan, an American soldier; and Dan, who returns to Việt Nam in 2016 with his wife, Linda, to confront his past. Their stories reveal the long-lasting impacts of the Việt Nam War on those who lived through it. The book discusses racialized physical and verbal abuse, racism, rape, sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder, and wartime violence.
Heartwarming
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Reviews & Readership
15,300 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai has garnered admiration for its poignant storytelling and deep exploration of the Vietnam War's lasting effects. Critics praise its rich character development and vivid historical context. However, some readers feel the narrative pacing is uneven. Overall, it successfully blends compelling personal stories with historical insight.
Who Should Read Dust Child?
Fans of multi-generational narratives and evocative historical fiction like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen will appreciate Dust Child. The novel delves into themes of war, identity, and reconciliation, making it ideal for readers interested in the human side of the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
15,300 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Vietnam • 1960s
2023
Adult
18+ years
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