52 pages 1 hour read

Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

Dust Child

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

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.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Asian Literature

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Military / War

History: World

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Identity: Race

Period

Asian Literature