Duong Binh Nguyen returns with first prize for novel about data crime

After 15 years of putting down his pen, writer Duong Binh Nguyen has just made a surprising return with the A prize in the 5th novel, story and memoir writing contest on the topic 'For national security and peaceful life' for the novel 'The wind still blows in the tropical forest'.

Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To speaks at the award ceremony - Photo: Organizing Committee

Author Duong Binh Nguyen received the A prize in the novel category along with two other authors: Pham Quang Long with his work Doi Mat and Nguyen Thu Hang with his work Chieu Qua Thi Tran. The A prize in the memoir category went to author Tong Phuoc Bao with his work Co Xanh Doi Thep.

This is a literary writing contest organized by the Ministry of Public Security in coordination with the Vietnam Writers Association from 2022 to 2025. The closing ceremony and award ceremony of the contest were solemnly held on the afternoon of November 11 in Hanoi.

Literature reconstructs the history of the police force - the history of fighting evil

Speaking at the award ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quoc To - Deputy Minister of Public Security -   The large number of entries proves the contest's appeal and shows the vitality of the theme "For national security and peaceful life".

Chairman of the Vietnam Writers Association Nguyen Quang Thieu affirmed that through their writings, writers have created history for the police force, history of fighting evil, and protecting the peaceful lives of the people.

Readers today not only seek out literature about the People’s Public Security with thrilling and curious stories, but also want to see a deeper story about the fight against evil. And the winning works of this contest have shown readers that.

Some authors were awarded prizes in the novel, story and memoir contest on the topic For National Security and Peaceful Life - Photo: Organizing Committee

Summing up the contest, Colonel Tran Cao Kieu - Deputy Director of the People's Public Security Communications Department, Director - Editor-in-Chief of the People's Public Security Publishing House, Head of the contest's organizing committee - said that the entries this time vividly expressed current and hot issues of social life.

And clearly depicts the silent feats, the fierce fights against crime, the touching stories about the sacrifices and dedication of police officers in everyday life.

Many young authors have boldly approached this difficult topic, expressing fresh thinking, modern language, and a close, emotional writing style.

Mr. Kieu said that after 5 editions, the contest has become a lasting stream in Vietnamese literary life, contributing to fostering the image of the police officer of the new era.

Writer Nguyen Binh Phuong - Vice President of the Vietnam Writers Association, Chairman of the final judging panel - assessed the quality of this contest as relatively high, especially in the novel genre.

But many entries to the contest have made a strong impression, moving readers and giving them the feeling of going beyond the boundaries of creation to approach the authenticity and vividness of reality.

Duong Binh Nguyen returns colder and more experienced

As one of the authors who received the highest prize of the contest, writer Duong Binh Nguyen shared that when he started the novel, he did not intend to describe crime but wanted to look deeper into people and the criminal world .

Regarding the topic of data crime, which is very new in literature and which he pioneered, he said that with each data theft, people suffer great losses. And the fight against data theft is very fierce, a new battle for police officers.

Writer Duong Binh Nguyen unexpectedly returns with first prize for novel - Photo: NVCC

The Wind Still Blows in the Tropical Forest is considered a novel with new poetics, both inheriting the realistic and philosophical spirit of traditional literature and boldly experimenting with modern poetics. With a cinematic montage structure and a narrative voice that blends investigation and lyricism, the work opens up a space that is both poetic and cold, both humane and overwhelming because of the truth revealed.

Judge, writer Suong Nguyet Minh commented that The Wind Still Blows in the Tropical Forest is a "different, new and groundbreaking" novel.

Duong Binh Nguyen was once one of the most beloved writers in the early 2000s with the story collections Lang nhan sac, Ve lai thien duong, Hoa an huong, Giay do, Chuyen tinh Paris . After a 15-year hiatus, he returned with a completely new writing style, sharper, more experienced, and imbued with the depth of life.

In addition to the A prizes, the organizing committee also awarded 6 B prizes, 12 C prizes and 12 consolation prizes. 4 works were awarded certificates and gifts by the People's Public Security Communications Department.

BIRD OF PARADISE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/duong-binh-nguyen-tai-xuat-voi-giai-nhat-tieu-thuyet-ve-toi-pham-du-lieu-20251111220848601.htm