Viet Thanh Nguyen's literary themes are profoundly influenced by his experiences during the Vietnam War and his family's dramatic escape as refugees. These elements inform his exploration of identity, displacement, and the complexities of memory. His writing reflects a nuanced understanding of the past's lingering effects on the present, emphasizing the intersections of culture and trauma. These experiences foster a critical perspective on both war and history, shaping his narrative style and thematic focus.