The cover of best-selling author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh’s new novel Ngày Xưa Có Một Chuyện Tình (Once upon a Love). File Photo from Kính Vạn Hoa Bookstore Facebook |
HCM CITY — Best-selling author Nguyễn Nhật Ánh’s new novel Ngày Xưa Có Một Chuyện Tình (Once Upon a Love) has been available at bookshops nationwide.
Speaking at the launch of the book in HCM City on Wednesday, Ánh said: “The book is about teenage love, but contains problems that teenagers must face when they grow up.”
“The book is different from my previous works,” said Ánh, who is one of Việt Nam’s most successful writers of children’s books.
The 320-page book features a love triangle among three teenagers named Vĩnh, Phúc and Miền. It also reflects the way young people discover the world and find ways to have a happy ending.
“The book contains mature topics, including sex before marriage, pregnancy, and single motherhood, as well as naughty boys learning to become men,” Ánh said, adding that he hopes readers can see how the characters mature after they experience ups and downs.
The Trẻ (Youth) Publishing House has published 70,000 paperback copies and 10,000 hardcover copies of the book.
Nguyễn Minh Nhựt, director of the publisher, said: “It’s not the best time to release a new book, but Ánh’s fame will guarantee its success.”
The author started his career in 1984, publishing more than 80 stories for children, which received recognition from both children and adults.
He has written several stories about teenage love such as Mắt Biếc (Blue Eyes), Đi Qua Hoa Cúc (Daisy Passing), and Cô Gái Đến Từ Hôm Qua (Girl from Yesterday).
The books moved millions of readers with its depiction of young people’s difficulties in life and their first loves as well as hopes for their bright future. –VNS