Themes of patriotism, bravery, love and peace, with highlights about Vietnamese Navy soldiers on the Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands, are featured in the epic Ngang Qua Bình Minh (Reaching to the Dawn), a new book by female poet Lữ Mai. The 100-page book of eight chapters has been reprinted by the Literature Publishing House. — Photo courtesy of the publisher

HCM CITY — Female poet Lữ Mai’s latest book, Ngang Qua Bình Minh (Reaching to the Dawn), has been released by the Literature Publishing House.

The 100-page book includes eight chapters featuring stories about soldiers and their work, hopes and dreams. Themes about love and peace are included.

Highlighted chapters feature Vietnamese Navy soldiers on Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands.  

The author’s simple and lively language expresses her feelings about the soldiers who have completed their mission on the islands and yearn for home.  

“Mai’s book highlights stories of soldiers working and thinking, and having to overcome great difficulties to fulfill their duties. Through her language, readers, particularly youngsters, can learn valuable lessons from the island and soldiers,” said Nguyễn Bá Quý, a reader from HCM City. 

“Each word from poets in the epic Ngang Qua Bình Minh is in praise of patriotism and bravery. For people who have not experienced the salty taste of Trường Sa, Mai’s book leaves a very strong impression," he said.

Images of Vietnamese Navy soldiers on the Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands are highlighted in Lữ Mai’s book Ngang Qua Bình Minh (Reaching to the Dawn). — Photo courtesy of the publisher

Author Mai released Mắt Trùng Khơi (The Eyes of the Sea), a book featuring stories and photos about Trường Sa soldiers, in Hà Nội last year. 

The poet's collection was published after the success of the first volume Nơi Đầu Sóng (The Wavefront) by the same authors – Mai and photographer Trần Thành – who have visited the Spratly Islands several times. 

The 150-page work features 18 stories and dozens of photos centred on the people whose lives are attached to the islands. Those people are not only Navy soldiers but also their family members.  

The book’s printer, Literature Publishing House, in collaboration with Mai and photographer Thành, has launched a project titled "Homeland’s Sea and Islands Bookshelf". Under the project, hundreds of copies of Mắt Trùng Khơi and Nơi Đầu Sóng have been given to Navy soldiers and people living on the islands.

According to Mai, some of the books’ proceeds will be donated to charity events dedicated to Navy soldiers and their families. 

“Mai’s latest publication, Ngang Qua Bình Minh, is quality in both its style and content. Her work links people inland with those living on islands, instilling national pride and encouraging soldiers who guard the country’s sovereignty,” said veteran poet Nguyễn Quang Thiều, chairman of the Việt Nam Writers’ Association. — VNS