Content Warning: This section discusses racism, post-traumatic stress disorder, and wartime violence.

Imperialism and War is one of this novel’s most important themes. Dust Child traces the roots of the war in Việt Nam to the instability caused by French colonial rule in the region. Mentions of France, French culture, and even direct engagement with “French imperialism” become an important motif, showcasing the long and troubled history of French occupation and the damage that it caused to Việt Nam and its people. In the novel’s initial chapters, Linda observes the similarities between architecture styles in Paris and Sài Gòn, prompting Dan to reflect on the role that the French played in the war that he fought in. He thinks that it was the French occupation that destabilized, weakened, and ultimately divided the country of Việt Nam.

Dan and Linda continue to encounter many reminders of French colonialism during their trip, including architecture, music, and food like bánh mì sandwiches made with French bread. These repeated reminders of the French occupation illustrate the pervasive nature of cultural hegemony: Many decades after the end of French colonial rule, evidence of it can still be seen all over Việt Nam.