It is 1969, during the height of the Vietnam War. Two young Vietnamese sisters are desperate to pay off their parent's debts. They leave their rural village and become "bar girls" in Sài Gòn, entertaining American GIs in return for money.

It is 2016, and an orphan of a Black American soldier & an unknown Vietnamese mother is searching for a way to immigrate to America with his family. His visa application is denied, and is told he needs proof that his dad is American.

At the same time, an American Vietnam vet lands in Sài Gòn with his wife, hoping to heal from his PTSD. In actuality, he secretly looks for the Vietnamese woman and baby he left behind all those years ago.

DUST CHILD is a beautifully written story that shatters my heart into a million pieces. Told from alternating POVs across time, the novel explores the devastating effects of war, not just on American soldiers but, most importantly, the Vietnamese people caught in the crossfire. Nguyễn delves deep into the complexities of war and its lasting impacts, showing how it affects every aspect of life, from politics to personal relationships.

One of the most potent aspects of DUST CHILD is how it shines a light on the Vietnamese people forced to choose sides during the war and those unable to leave after the war. These are important stories often overlooked, but they are just as important as those of the American soldiers.

DUST CHILD is a powerful and beautiful novel that explores the aftermath of the Vietnam War from unique and insightful perspectives. The immersive writing, multiple POVs, and unexpected plots make it a must-read for everyone.

Thank you to Algonquin Books for the eARC.