The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism honored 50 outstanding literary and artistic works created after national unification at a ceremony held on the morning of 30/11. Among the acclaimed honorees was writer Bao Ninh, who received recognition for his novel "The Sorrow of War". Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh and Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy presented him with flowers and a certificate. Released over 30 years ago, "The Sorrow of War" vividly portrays the raw pains of wartime, earning global acclaim with translations into about 20 languages and publication in dozens of countries.
The novel has garnered significant international praise. German literature professor and translator Günter Giesenfeld hailed it as "a world classic in war literature," comparing it to renowned works such as Ernest Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms" and Erich Maria Remarque's "All Quiet on the Western Front". Furthermore, Bao Ninh became the first Vietnamese writer to receive the Asia Prize 2011 from the Nihon Keizai Shimbun for this work.
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Cover of "The Sorrow of War". Photo: Tre Publishing House |
The literature category honored 13 other works alongside "The Sorrow of War". These include: the novels 'Manh dat lam nguoi nhieu ma' by Nguyen Khac Truong, 'Thoi xa vang' by Le Luu, 'Ben khong chong' by Duong Huong, and 'Mua la rung trong vuon' by Ma Van Khang; the epic poem 'Nhung nguoi di toi bien' by Thanh Thao; and the short story collections 'Co lau' by Nguyen Minh Chau, 'Con gai thuy than' by Nguyen Huy Thiep, and 'Canh dong bat tan' by Nguyen Ngoc Tu.
The theater section recognized 18 works, notably "Red Rain" by writer Chu Lai. Speaking at the event, Chu Lai expressed regret that many esteemed writers and poets had passed away and could not personally accept their awards. He noted that while many know "Red Rain" through its film and book adaptations, few realize it originated as a meticulously crafted screenplay. "I deeply value the work becoming an excellent, artistic cheo play," he stated.
In the music category, organizers awarded 12 works, including popular songs such as 'Duong 4 mua xuan' by Do Nhuan, 'Mua xuan tren Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh' by Xuan Hong, and 'Dat nuoc tron niem vui' by Hoang Ha. Musician Tran Tien expressed his happiness on stage that his song 'Giai dieu To quoc' received recognition, announcing he would donate his prize money to support compatriots in the central region.
The dance category featured six dance dramas: 'Chuyen tinh non song' by Vu Viet Cuong and Tran Kim Quy, 'Hoa phong lan tren dinh Truong Bon' by Nguyen Thi Hien, 'Ballet Kieu' by Nguyen Thi Tuyet Minh and Nguyen Phuc Hung, 'Huyen thoai me' by Nguyen Cong Nhac, 'Nguon sang' by Pham Anh Phuong and Nguyen Hong Phong, and 'Dat nuoc' by Ung Duy Thinh.
The selection council chose 50 representative works from nearly 200 submissions for this honor, with each author receiving 30 million VND. Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized the significance of these works, stating they authentically and vividly document the nation's journey after unification. These creations reflect Vietnam's efforts to overcome war consequences, navigate embargoes and blockades, and implement national renewal and international integration. "Literature and art embody the soul of culture, serving as powerful drivers for socio-economic development, and for building and defending the Fatherland," Mai Van Chinh remarked.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy expressed her hope for more literary, musical, fine arts, theater, and cinematic works. These future creations, she noted, should portray the Vietnamese people of the new era while honoring the nation's enduring values and revolutionary achievements. Concurrently, the Ministry launched a creative campaign for literary and artistic works titled "Song mai voi thoi gian" (Live Forever with Time) for the 2026-2030 period.
Phuong Linh
