MODERN LITERATURE: A short-story collection by Vietnamese writers called 'Truyện Ngắn Đặc Sắc 2023' (Best Short Stories 2023) featuring the country’s contemporary literature has been printed by the Sbooks Publishing Company in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of the publisher

HCM CITY — A collection of Vietnamese short stories featuring the country’s contemporary literature from 2022-2023 has been printed by the Sbooks Publishing Company in HCM City.

The publication, Truyện Ngắn Đặc Sắc 2023 (Best Short Stories 2023), includes 31 short stories by young writers such as Trần Thị Tú Ngọc, Nguyễn Thị Kim Hoà and Lữ Mai.

Well-known female authors Y Ban, Nguyễn Ngọc Tư and Võ Thị Xuân Hà are also included.

These works were selected from many of the writers’ best stories in newspapers, magazines and books featuring Vietnamese history, culture and lifestyle. The themes of love and women are also featured.

Highlighted works include Hoà’s Hương Thôn Dã (Rural Flavours), Hà’s Cơn Gió Nghiêng (The Wind), and Tư’s Giữa Vật Chất Này (Living).

The three writers feature their views about life, love, and the challenges that young people face today.

While Hoà is a newcomer, Tư and Hà have more than 20 years writing.

Many readers will enjoy the writing style of Tư through her latest work titled Giữa Vật Chất Này. Her work portrays the culture and lifestyle of southern farmers.

Tư became famous after her novel, Cánh Đồng Bất Tận (Endess Field) was released in 2005. It was a bestseller when nearly 2,000 copies were sold after two days of release.

The book was honoured at the Southeast Asian Writers Awards by the Thai Royal Family in 2008. The prize aims to encourage and honour poets and writers in the ASEAN region.

The Việt Nam Writers Association nominated the book for the award, with the aim of introducing a slice of Việt Nam’s contemporary literature.

The book is still fresh today and has been republished several times. It was also adapted to film and theatre.

“We are working to give Vietnamese writers, particularly young talents, a chance to develop their career and meet the tastes of readers,” said Nguyễn Anh Dũng, founder of Sbooks Company.

“We believe that many new and good works should be introduced to young readers at home and abroad.” — VNS