A vibrant year for Dong Nai literature 

In 2025, Dong Nai’s literary field recorded many positive signs as writers and artists worked diligently and creatively to produce a wide range of works across genres and themes.

Literary works published in Dong Nai in 2025. Photo: My Ny

From short stories, novels and poetry to photo books and autobiographies, the works not only capturedthe pulse of contemporary life but also won numerous high-level awards from central to local levels, helping affirm the position of Dong Nai literature within the broader flow of Vietnamese literature.

Diverse genres, rich themes

In prose, writer Nguyen Thai Hai experienced a particularly productive year, releasing four works: Chieu kich nguoi (short story collection), Bo vo giua pho (long story), Mot thuo tuoi hoa (short story collection) and Trong dong chay Dong Nai (essays). His writings expanded the scope of reflecting real life, from everyday slices to the depth of human fate, while vividly recording cultural and historical stories and experiences of Dong Nai, especially in the period following the implementation of the two-tier local government model.

Sharing the same sustained inspiration, writer Dao Sy Quang also impressed readers with his remarkable productivity. In 2025, he published Truyen Com (short story), Lien minh ma quy va tinh ban (novel), Ben kia loi hua (novel) and Anh sang trong dem (novel). Among them, “Anh sang trong dem” was a state-commissioned book published by Dong Nai Publishing House. These works reflected efforts to explore and innovate in thematic approaches, particularly toward contemporary social issues.

In poetry, many new collections were released, such as Cay o trong vuon by poet Minh Ha; Tieng chim hot trong vuon by poet Do Minh Duong; Hoa reu by Hong Nhan; Mung tuoi dong song by poet Le Dang Khang; and Ven man by Le Sy Tung. They demonstrated the authors’ constant efforts to seek distinctive voices, imagery and emotional depth. Beyond lyrical expressions of love for nature, people and the land of Dong Nai, the works expanded into reflection and contemplation on social changes.

Though not a work of literary research or criticism, Nghi gan… Nghi xa… by researcher Bui Quang Huy presented thoughts and discussions on local political, cultural, historical and educational issues. Alongside this, publications preserving memories of people and the land of Dong Nai also left a distinct mark, notably the photo book Long Khanh toi yeu by Pham Van Hoang; the autobiography Hoa no tren dinh doc by Nguyen Duy Dong; and the essays Ben dong song soi bong by Nguyen Thi Tham.

Affirming position through awards

Dong Nai literature in 2025 also left a strong imprint through prestigious awards from central to local levels. In the 2025 awards list of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, author Ho Que Hau won a consolation prize with the biography series Tu suoi nguon ra bien lon. The work washighly regarded for its depth of thought, close engagement with real life, and its humanistic message about the aspiration to rise, linking individual fate with community responsibility. 

Writer Dao Sy Quang stood out as one of the most decorated figures, winning multiple awards at the same time. These included a B prize for the short story Ngon lua at the short story and biography writing campaign on the theme of the People’s Public Security Force organized by the Ministry of Public Security; a B prize for the novel Ben kia loi hua at the 2025 Dong Nai provincial literature and arts awards; and the short story collection Ben hong nhan, selected as one of the province’s outstanding representative works marking 50 years since national reunification.

In addition, writer Nguyen Duy Hien won first prize at the “Long tot quanh ta” writing contest with Chuyen ong Hung boc mo liet si; writer Nguyen Tri won a C prize at the fifth writing contest for novels, stories and biography on the theme For national security and a peaceful life with Giang ho gay canh. The 2025 Dong Nai provincial literature and arts awards also recognized many other authors, including Nguyen Huu Dien, Nguyen Duy Hien, Le Dang Khang, Le Sy Tung, Nguyen Thi Tham, Nguyen Ngoc Dung and Nguyen Thi Phan, across poetry and short story categories.

According to Giang Manh Ha, People’s Artist of Vietnam, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and Chairman of the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association, the awards achieved in 2025 are not only a joy and source of pride for individual authors but also clear evidence of the perseverance and creative vitality of Dong Nai’s literary and artistic community. The award-winning works closely follow real life, reflect the spirit of the times, and demonstrate social responsibility and a desire to contribute.

In 2025, the Dong Nai Literature and Arts Association released the 50-year Literature and Arts Anthology and Half a Century of Dong Nai Literature, along with dozens of books by its members. Dong Nai Literature and Arts magazine published 12 issues with more than 33,000 copies, while the association’s website recorded over six million visits, meeting public demand for literature and arts both inside and outside the province.

“In the time ahead, the association will continue to accompany artists and writers, create a favorable creative environment, and encourage innovation in thinking and improvements in work quality. We will focus on discovering and nurturing young creative talents, contributing to the sustainable development of the province’s literary and artistic life and meeting public expectations in the new period,” Giang Manh Ha emphasizes.

By My Ny – Translated by Thuc Oanh, Thu Ha