52 pages • 1 hour read
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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.
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.
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.
Recommended
Historical Fiction
Asian Literature
Modern Classic Fiction
Military / War
History: World
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Guilt
Identity: Race
Asian Literature