The author shared her views at the "Vietnamese Literature after 1975: Achievements, Problems, and Prospects" seminar in Hanoi, addressing a reality within the nation's literary scene. According to Do Thi Tac, the recent "turbulence" in the literary world was not caused by the emergence of famous works, but by articles criticizing and disparaging one another. The poet believes that the behavior of some writers may be a barrier preventing the development of domestic literature.

"Writers are not dedicating their time and effort to creation, but rather to viciously attacking this person and undermining that person, completely lacking humanity. If you don't acknowledge each other, fine, but please do not utter malicious words," Tac stated.

Poet Do Thi Tac at the seminar on 6/10. Photo: Phuong Linh

Literary critic Nguyen Dang Diep echoed Do Thi Tac's sentiment, stating that talented writers would not have time for arguments and attacks, but would instead focus their energy on writing. However, observing the reality of literature over the past 50 years, Nguyen Dang Diep noted that authors have not broadened their perspectives or criteria for evaluating creative works, often favoring only opinions that align with their own. He cited Bao Ninh's novel, Noi buon chien tranh, as a pinnacle work that still faces much debate and non-recognition today.

According to writer Le Hoai Nam, readers currently find it difficult to identify and read genuine literary works. He pointed out that domestic media outlets offer few programs dedicated solely to literature, often integrating it with other art forms. At some discussions, editors and hosts lack specialized knowledge, frequently relying on writers and poets they know for advice. The public cannot find an impartial and reputable institution to guide them in literature. Consequently, many literary competitions and awards in recent years have largely sparked controversy.

Many believe Le Hoai Nam's comments recall the uproar surrounding the short story Tram ngan (by Le Tu Ngan), one of two works awarded second prize in the 2022-2024 Van Nghe Newspaper Short Story Competition (with no first prize awarded) in July. The work portrays a sad story about the characters' fates, expressing a yearning to find their roots. Many writers argued that the story lacked quality, with inconsistent regional language, and was undeserving of the award. Others supported the work, stating that it employed a multi-voiced, hybrid language approach and presented a familiar plot with depth.

The controversy lasted for two months, generating extensive discussion on social media. Beyond debating the work's quality, many turned to criticizing each other. In late September, the organizers announced that during the judging process, the final judging panel reviewed works based on the list selected by the preliminary panel. The award results announced by the organizers matched the list submitted by the final judging panel.

Illustration cover for the video reading of the story "Tram Ngan". Photo: Van Nghe Newspaper

The "Vietnamese Literature after 1975: Achievements, Problems, and Prospects" seminar, organized by the Vietnamese Writers' Association, featured ten presentations. Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen The Ky – Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council; writer Nguyen Binh Phuong – Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese Writers' Association; and Associate Professor, Doctor, literary critic Nguyen Dang Diep chaired the event. Previously, the seminar took place on 16/9 in Ho Chi Minh City and on 20/9 in Da Nang.

Phuong Linh