'The Wild Book': Mexican Writer's Amazing Adventure

The story is not only attractive because of its adventure and fantasy elements, but also conveys a message about the value of reading, the power of imagination and the healing power of books for children's souls.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations (May 19, 1975 - May 19, 2025), the Embassy of Mexico in Vietnam and the Faculty of Spanish, Hanoi University introduce "The Wild Book" by famous author Juan Villoro.

The children's book has sold nearly 2 million copies in Mexico, has been translated into several languages, has been converted into Braille for the visually impaired, and is in the process of being adapted for film.

The story is about a 13-year-old boy named Juan who has to face a terrible summer: he often has terrible nightmares; his parents are divorced, his mother smokes and drinks all day, and his father has gone to faraway Paris; and worst of all, he will have to temporarily leave his familiar home and friends to live with his uncle Tito - an eccentric old uncle who lives alone, in a house full of books.

That seemingly boring and lonely vacation becomes more and more thrilling, interesting, and captivating when Juan learns about the existence of a book that has never been read, never been finished, and never been published – “The Wild Book.”

With the companionship of new friends, Juan embarks on a journey to find a special book that is said to only come to those who are worthy. The unexpected adventure helps Juan find a precious book and discover many wonderful things about books and life.

Mr. Alejandro Negrin Muñoz, Ambassador of Mexico to Vietnam, said that the book launch is one of the most important events in the series of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is an opportunity for readers to discuss a famous Mexican literary work, as well as to learn about the Spanish language in response to the increasing practical demand in Vietnam.

Juan Villoro has published nearly 50 works in various genres, from novels, short stories, reports, essays to plays and literary journalism. He is also a translator and an editor. (Photo: Restless Books)

Author Juan Villoro expressed his happiness when his work was published in Vietnam.

“I am fortunate that this work has been translated into many languages, including Braille for the visually impaired. Now, I am extremely happy to have this journey to Vietnam. Since I was a child, I have known about the glorious history of this great country and always dreamed of having the opportunity to set foot here,” the author shared.

Representative of the publishing unit, Mr. Nguyen Xuan Minh, Director of Planning and Copyright of Nha Nam, shared: “In addition to the great writers who are widely known to Vietnamese readers such as Carlos Fuentes or Octavio Paz, Mexican literature also has many excellent writers, such as Juan Villoro. Mexican literature deserves to be introduced more in Vietnam. 'The Wild Book' is a magical adventure about books, libraries, and the power of reading; a beautiful work that honors the power of words, evoking a love of reading that all readers can enjoy”./.

The book launch will take place at 9:30 a.m. on May 9 at Room 102, Building C, Hanoi University, with the participation of guests: Translator Le Manh Thang - the translator of the book; Master Nguyen Thuy Trang - Deputy Head of the Spanish Department, Hanoi University; Mr. Nguyen Xuan Minh - Director of Planning and Copyright, Nha Nam Culture and Communication Joint Stock Company.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/cuon-sach-hoang-da-tac-pham-phieu-luu-ky-thu-cua-nha-van-mexico-post1036631.vnp