Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
- Erin
- Jul 19, 2024
- 1 min read
5/5 Stars
In war, we often think of death as the only measure of the outcome. We think of the tragedy of the loss of life and potential – the loss of brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters. But war is far more reaching than death, the outcome arguably as difficult if not more so and equally as heartbreaking at times. Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai explores one of these far-reaching aspects of war – the Dust Children borne out of the Vietnam War.
Dust Child follows the lives of two South Vietnamese sisters who left their home to find work in Saigon in the throes of the Vietnam War. The sisters found work at the Hollywood Bar entertaining American GI’s. There is a parallel, modern-day storyline where an Amerasian man named Phong is seeking answers from his past and family for his future. The novel also tells of an American soldier who returns to Vietnam for the first-time seeking healing, closure and searching for his “dust child.” The author seamlessly weaves these parallel timelines and stories together in a deeply emotional and significant way.
Dust Child is impeccably researched, authentic and both heartbreaking and redemptive at times. It is emotionally difficult to read in parts, but impossible to put down. This book tells an important story and aspect of the Vietnam War. I am so glad that I read this book.
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