Bao Ninh

And how can we not talk about Bao Ninh, another well-loved author in Vietnam?

Born in 1952, Bao Ninh has a major influence on Vietnamese' literature with his most famous novel "The Sorrow of War" (Nỗi buồn Chiến tranh). This is considered the best masterpiece of contemporary Vietnamese literature, gaining international acclaim for its powerful and moving portrayal of the Vietnam War.

"The Sorrow of War" is a semi-autobiographical novel that tells the story of a young soldier named Kien who fights in the Vietnam War. The novel is unique in its depiction of the psychological and emotional toll of war, as Kien struggles to come to terms with the trauma and loss he experiences on the battlefield.

Bao Ninh's writing style is characterized by its raw honesty and emotional intensity, with a focus on the human experience of war rather than on the political or ideological dimensions of the conflict. It's not exaggerating to say that his work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable suffering, exerting a profound impact on readers both in Vietnam and around the world!

And aside from his undeniable literary achievements, Bao Ninh is also a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served as a soldier in the North Vietnamese Army. His experiences on the battlefield and his subsequent struggles with PTSD have informed much of his writing, giving it a depth and authenticity that is rare in contemporary literature.

For all these reasons, Vietnamese readers will forever hail Bao Ninh as one of the greatest Vietnamese writers of all time. Even after decades, "The Sorrow of War" will always be living proof of the power of literature and how it can record the rawest human experience of war.

Born: 1952

Most famous works: The Sorrow of War (Nỗi buồn Chiến tranh), Bao Ninh Short Stories (Bảo Ninh Những truyện ngắn), Hanoi At Midnight: Stories (Hà Nội Lúc Không giờ)