The publication transports readers into the memories of five writers: Trung Trung Dinh, Bao Ninh, Nguyen Quang Lap, Nguyen Trong Tin, and Pham Ngoc Tien. Through 12 short stories, the authors convey their emotions about a time of conflict and the lingering sentiments of the post-war era.

The book's title is derived from Bao Ninh's work of the same name. In this collection of short stories, he contributes three works: Anonymous Star, Three Hundred and One, and Weather of Memory. These three stories often begin with chance encounters or reflections on landscapes and weather, thereby evoking memories of his combat years.

Concluding the story Weather of Memory, writer Bao Ninh wrote: "Because it is a pain, the past still lives on, and only through the enduring pain of the past can we achieve a tranquil life, a peaceful existence, a relaxed mindset, a forgiving heart, and a sense of resolution with life and fate".

The short story collection ''Weather of Memory'' by the Writers' Association Publishing House, comprising 328 pages, is interspersed with illustrations. Photo: Publisher provided

Writer Nguyen Quang Lap is known for incorporating a conversational writing style into his works, creating a distinctive humor. He presents three short stories: Oh Ferry, Khen Be's Sound, and Remaining Story in Chop Ri Valley. Oh Ferry stands out, portraying the ferryman's guilt after a past mistake.

Writer Pham Ngoc Tien's three works, They Have Become Men, Snow White and a Dwarf, and Fleeing, delve into human destiny. Among them, the short story They Have Become Men was awarded a B prize by the Vietnam Writers' Association for war-themed literature in 1994. The work tells the story of a young female volunteer at a military station, grappling with inner turmoil when she hesitated to commit herself before her lover went to battle, only to later receive news of his sacrifice.

Author Bao Ninh (left), Trung Trung Dinh. Photo: Thach Thao, Vietnam Writers' Association

Writer Trung Trung Dinh introduces two short stories: Bright Spot on the Hilltop and Insider, continuing to explore wartime memories. According to the writer, his years living and fighting on the Central Highlands front nurtured his passion for literature. Trung Trung Dinh's works are deeply imbued with the spirit of the Central Highlands, while retaining the simplicity of a soldier.

Writer Nguyen Trong Tin contributes his only work, Raft of Agarwood. The novel recounts the lives of veterans in a camp for severely wounded soldiers after reunification. They live simply, without self-pity, always striving to overcome life's difficulties. The work is recognized as a significant achievement in post-war literature.

Writer Trung Trung Dinh (left) and Nguyen Trong Tin at the exchange event. Photo: Writers' Association Publishing House

At a gathering in Hanoi on 6/5, many fellow writers and readers were present to interact with the authors. Writer Bao Ninh was absent due to health reasons. At the event, they shared their journey into writing and recalled memories from their literary careers. Author Trung Trung Dinh joked that his life was "a mess, only becoming orderly in the last few years". Writer Nguyen Quang Lap remembered days diligently writing screenplays and stage plays. Southern writer Nguyen Trong Tin reminisced about a period when he temporarily stepped away from literature, turning to journalism for 10 years to earn a living. Writer Pham Ngoc Tien came to literature late, always pondering how to find a unique path to make his mark in the literary world.

Poet Nguyen Quang Thieu - Chairman of the Vietnam Writers' Association - commented that the five writers are "the custodians of the nation's memories across an era, an anecdote, a destiny, a vision, or something more profound". According to poet Tran Dang Khoa, the distinctiveness of the five voices enriches the landscape of contemporary literature.

Phuong Linh