HONOURING SACRIFICE: The cover of Tử Tù, Cựu Tù Côn Đảo Ngày Trở Lại (Returning to Côn Đảo - Memoirs of ex-death-row prisoners and ex-prisoners), a photo book on the lives of former Côn Đảo political prisoners by veteran photographer Nguyễn Á celebrates the 76th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27). Photo courtesy of the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House

HCM CITY A photo book about the lives of former Côn Đảo political prisoners has been published by the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House.

The work, Tử Tù, Cựu Tù Côn Đảo Ngày Trở Lại (Returning to Côn Đảo - Memoirs of ex-death-row prisoners and ex-prisoners), was created by veteran photographer Nguyễn Á of HCM City.

It celebrates the 76th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

The book offers readers a review of the heroic time of the loyal revolutionary soldiers in Côn Đảo Prison, once dubbed “Hell on Earth", located on Côn Đảo Island off the coast of the southern province of Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu.

Its pictures portray 39 former political prisoners coming from HCM City, Đồng Nai and Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu who were imprisoned by the enemies, but always maintained their revolutionary spirit.

The photos were captured during artist Á’s five-day trip together with the former prisoners to Côn Đảo.

Each work is evocative and brings the revolutionary soldiers and patriots to life.

“Through my photo book, I hope readers, particularly youngsters, will be educated and promote the revolutionary spirit and patriotism,” said Á, adding that all of his photos show his deep respect for the great losses and sacrifices of former political prisoners.

CAPTURING VIET NAM: Photographer Nguyễn Á is well-known for his pictures on Vietnamese soldiers and people. Photo courtesy of the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House

Á is already well-known for his collections on soldiers and people living on the Trường Sa (Spratly) Archipelago.

He has captured many photos on several UNESCO-recognised heritage sites in Việt Nam, some of which have won top prizes at local and international photo contests and festivals.

He holds the EFIAP title granted by the International Federation of Photographic Art for excellent photographers.

He has released 19 photo books on different themes. — VNS