Dust Child
The International Bestseller
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oneworld Publications
Published:1st Feb '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£16.99(9780861545407)
In Dust Child, four lives intersect amid the Vietnam War's aftermath, revealing deep family secrets and the enduring impact of past decisions.
In Dust Child, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, where two sisters, Trang and Quynh, find themselves caught in a tumultuous world. As their rural village is ravaged by conflict, they make the heart-wrenching decision to leave their home in search of a better life. Arriving in the bustling city of Sai Gon, they become 'bar girls,' engaging with American GIs in a desperate attempt to support their struggling family. This choice tests their bond and shapes their lives in ways they could never have anticipated.
Decades later, Vietnam has begun to heal, emerging from the scars of war. Yet, for Dan and Phong—two men shaped by their experiences on opposite sides of the conflict—the past remains a heavy burden. As they navigate their new lives, the echoes of their earlier decisions linger, shaping their identities and relationships. The intertwining paths of these four characters create a rich tapestry of emotions, exploring themes of love, loss, and the enduring impact of history.
When fate brings them together once again, each character is forced to confront the legacies of their choices. Dust Child delves into the complexities of family ties and the hidden heartaches that shape our lives, offering a poignant reflection on the connections that bind us, even in the face of adversity.
'Powerful and deeply empathetic... A heartbreaking tale of lost ideals, human devotion, and hard-won redemption.' Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prizewinning author of The Sympathizer
'Beautifully crafted, haunting... A masterful display of Que Mai's capacity to evoke compassion through her lyrical prose.' Irish Times
'Dazzling. Sharply drawn and hauntingly beautiful.' Elif Shafak, Women's Prize-shortlisted author of The Island of Missing Trees
'Notable for its boundless compassion for all the characters, from young, brutalised US soldiers to the girls who pretend to love them and the dust children left behind.' The Times
'Dust Child is satisfying, lyrical, and deeply empathetic. Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is a born storyteller.' Gabrielle Zevin, author of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow
'Once again, Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai has written a beautiful novel that shines a light on the history of Vietnam... Dust Child is simply stunning.' Eric Nguyen, author of Things We Lost to the Water
'A heartbreaking, beautifully told, utterly unique story of love, loss, and longing that speaks to the very heart of the human experience.' Kristin Harmel, New York Times-bestselling author of The Forest of Vanishing Stars
'Well-researched, realistic, and compassionately written... This eye-opening and fascinating novel is a must-read!' Le Ly Hayslip, bestselling author of When Heaven and Earth Changed Places
'Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai is one of the most unique storytellers of our time... She creates plots which are Dickensian in their breadth and mastery, while bravely probing the complex emotional challenges of living in a modern world full of disruption and displacement.' Natalie Jenner, internationally bestselling author of The Jane Austen Society
'Nguyen's novels, suffused with kindness and understanding, are an important and accessible tool to delve deeply into the perspectives of those whose lives were changed by the conflict. Her kaleidoscopic view opens doors of empathy and humanity.' Sydney Morning Herald
'Phenomenally beautiful.' Australian Women's Weekly
'Look for a reception akin to Min Jin Lee’s bestselling Pachinko.' LA Times
'I truly cannot wait for the rest of the world to celebrate this book.' Chanel Miller, New York Times bestselling author of Know My Name
'Quế Mai demonstrates a deep understanding of splintered lives. The compassionate treatment of her characters, insights into the period and eloquent prose are impressive.' FT
ISBN: 9780861547135
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 26mm
Weight: unknown
352 pages