More literary works from Dong Nai reach readers

Since the beginning of 2025, the creation and promotion of literary and artistic works in Dong Nai have been notably vibrant. Numerous new works have been released, capturing the pulse of everyday life and helping to spread the image of Dong Nai’s land and people to the wider public.

Writer Dao Sy Quang, Literature Section, Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, signs books for readers at the launch of the novel Beyond the Promise. Photo: My Ny

In particular, the field of literature has made a strong impression, spanning short stories, novels, poetry, memoirs, essays, literary theory, and criticism. These works not only draw on the history and cultural traditions of Dong Nai but also offer fresh, emotionally rich perspectives.

Many New Publications

In the first nine months of 2025, Dong Nai literature has seen a large number of published works. These include: The Human Dimension (short stories), Lost in the City (novel), and Once Upon a Youth (short stories) by writer Nguyen Thai Hai; Trang Kieu (novel) by writer Nguyen Duy Hien; Beyond the Promise (novel) by writer Dao Sy Quang; Strange Tales from the Snail’s House (short stories) by writer Hoang Ngoc Diep; Trees in the Garden (poetry collection) by poet Minh Ha; Birdsong in the Garden (poetry collection) by poet Do Minh Duong; Thinking Near… Thinking Far… by researcher Bui Quang Huy; Long Khanh I Love (photo book) by author Pham Van Hoang (Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association); Flowers Blooming on the Hilltop (memoir) by author Nguyen Duy Dong…

From 2020 to 2025, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association launched creative campaigns and collected more than 30,000 works across 10 specialized fields of literature and arts. These achievements reflect abundant creativity, dedication to serving the people, and a contribution to spreading the image of Dong Nai’s land and people to domestic and international audiences.

Among these, the poetry collection Trees in the Garden (published by the Vietnam Writers’ Association Publishing House) by poet Minh Ha has left a distinctive mark with lyrical and heartfelt pages closely tied to life. The poems mainly revolve around love for nature, people, and Dong Nai’s land, expressed in a gentle yet profound voice. Many poems were composed during the “transition period” when the former provinces of Binh Phuoc and Dong Nai were merged, carrying special emotions: preserving memories while opening new hopes.

At 75, writer Nguyen Thai Hai continues to publish new works regularly, reflecting his enduring creativity and unwavering passion for literature. Among his three most recent releases, two—Lost in the City and Once Upon a Youth—are written for children. Notably, hundreds of copies of his books have been donated to young readers across the province, as well as to school and community libraries, helping to promote a culture of reading.

Commenting on the novel Trang Kieu by writer Nguyen Duy Hien, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association Pham Van Hoang said: “The novel consists of 12 chapters, like 12 slices of tragedy about fate and transformation. The chapters are not formulaic but open-ended, bearing strong personal imprints while reflecting the spirit of the times. The work is also a heartfelt tribute from the author to trade union officials and workers, those who are quietly building society with their sweat, faith, and kindness.”

Bringing Works Closer to the People

To introduce new works to readers, many authors, such as Pham Van Hoang (Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, Photography Section) and Dao Sy Quang (Literature Section), have organized book launches, exchanges, and signing events at grassroots cultural institutions. These occasions not only offer writers a chance to share their creative journeys and artistic inspirations but also provide readers with the opportunity to engage directly, listen, and ask questions, thereby fostering stronger connections between authors and audiences.

In addition to the efforts of individuals, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association has actively cooperated with schools, the Dong Nai Library, and the Dong Nai Museum to organize discussions, exhibitions, and displays of books and new works. These activities have helped bring literature closer to the public, spark a love of reading, and create a rich environment for enjoying the arts.

People’s Artist Giang Manh Ha, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, said: “The year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Dong Nai literature and arts since national reunification, and it is also the year of the 1st Provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term. From the beginning of the year, the association has drawn up creative plans, organized field trips, and promoted works to foster a vibrant atmosphere of artistic creativity among writers and artists.

“Many Dong Nai literary and artistic works, especially literature, have been displayed, introduced, and brought to various segments of the public. Many new literary works from Dong Nai have not only been introduced to readers within the province but also widely welcomed in other localities. As a result, the image of Dong Nai’s land and people has been widely promoted, enriching the spiritual life of society and affirming the position of Dong Nai literature and arts in the broader national context,” Mr. Ha emphasized.

The publication of dozens of literary works in just the first nine months of 2025 affirms the persistent creativity and aspiration for dedication of Dong Nai’s writers and artists. This endeavor serves as the foundation for provincial literature to continue spreading widely, accompanying social development, and contributing new values to the nation’s journey forward.

By My Ny - Translated by Trieu Ngan, Minho