The memoir "We set off, at twenty... Memories of a generation that went through war" offers a profound glimpse into the experiences of former soldier Trinh Hoa Binh, particularly his involvement in the fierce 1972 battle at Quang Tri Ancient Citadel. Released on 22/12 by The Gioi Publishing House in collaboration with Omega Plus as part of the "Vietnamese History Book Series", the book traces Binh's journey from his formative years in Hanoi through the brutal realities of war and into his post-conflict reflections.
The book is structured into three main parts: family, the battlefield, and post-war life. An appendix includes writings from Binh's comrades and subsequent generations, offering contemporary perspectives on wartime and peace.
The first part of the memoir revisits Trinh Hoa Binh's childhood and the family foundation that forged the ideals of a generation of Hanoi youth. Stories about his grandmother and parents served as a great spiritual motivation for the young soldier.
The core of the book vividly details Binh's experiences as a young man from Hanoi fighting in Quang Tri. He recounts specific combat engagements and the harsh living conditions, highlighting the ferocity and hardship of war. Through these accounts, Binh honors the camaraderie and profound spirit of young soldiers, representing a generation of Hanoi youth who "put down their pens to fight", driven by strong ideals.
The final section presents Binh's reflections on post-war life, particularly after witnessing the physical and mental scars carried by his comrades. He expresses deep gratitude and reminds younger generations of their responsibility to uphold peace and contribute to national development.
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The work was released on 22/12 by The Gioi Publishing House in collaboration with Omega Plus, as part of Omega Plus's "Vietnamese History Book Series". Photo: Supplier
Throughout the memoir, Trinh Hoa Binh's narrative voice is a blend of pride and emotion for this generation of "student-soldiers". These young intellectuals from Hanoi, known for their politeness and romanticism, transformed into fierce and resolute fighters when confronted with battle.
The book's cover, inspired by Le Tri Dung's "Blood Moon", features soldiers marching under the moon, evoking dangerous, tragic, yet memorable nights of their twenties. The advancing shadows symbolize the collective strength and resolve of Hanoi's youth who went to war for their Fatherland.
Trinh Hoa Binh, 70, a Hanoi native, served in Regiment 95, Division 325. He participated in the 81-day and night defense of Quang Tri Ancient Citadel in 1972 and fought in numerous other campaigns, including Buon Me Thuot, Cheo Reo, Phu Bon, and Dau Giay. Beyond his military service, Binh pursued a career in medicine as a diagnostic imaging specialist. He also maintains a passion for literature, having published "Hoa sau" in 1996 and "Nghe tieng hoa roi" in 2025.
Phuong Linh
