Efforts of those in the profession
Starting in 2005 and continuing until 2015, Dong A Culture Joint Stock Company annually published an anthology titled "New Literature" (selected by writer Ho Anh Thai). In addition, every five years, the company publishes a more comprehensive anthology, including: "New Literature of the First Five Years of the Century 2001-2005," "New Literature of the Five Years 2006-2010," "New Literature of the Five Years 2011-2015," and most recently, "New Literature of the Ten Years 2015-2025." This truly represents the efforts of those in the profession, contributing to a rich literary feast for readers.
The 2015-2025 issue of Van Moi is not simply the fourth volume in the Van Moi anthology, but also a positive sign of the revival of a brand once beloved by readers. According to Mr. Tran Dai Thang, Director of Dong A Culture Joint Stock Company, after 10 years of existence, Van Moi temporarily ceased publication to pursue a different direction. At that time, Van Moi was transferred to Tre Publishing House, also curated by writer Ho Anh Thai. However, after the 2014-2015 and 2016-2017 issues, it was no longer published. “Earlier this year, during a chance meeting with readers, many mentioned Van Moi with considerable nostalgia. That's when I came up with the idea of creating an issue to both commemorate Van Moi's 25th anniversary and to remember the 10-year hiatus,” Mr. Tran Dai Thang explained.
Like previous five-year periodicals, the 2015-2025 edition of Van Moi (New Literature) is also meticulously produced and includes interesting gifts. The anthology comprises 41 prose works by 41 authors from across the country, including Vietnamese authors living abroad. Therefore, the front and back covers of the anthology feature colorful squares, resembling a chessboard but also multicolored windows, from which the faces of contemporary writers can be seen.
Each copy of the 2015-2025 New Literature anthology comes with a postcard as a "little secret" for the reader. Each postcard features a portrait and commentary on an author, illustrator, or designer in the anthology. Accordingly, 49 postcard designs (including 41 authors, 7 illustrators, and 1 designer) are randomly distributed with each book. In addition to the standard edition, Dong A also produces 100 special hardcover editions, signed directly by the authors and illustrators, for collectors and enthusiasts.
A part of the face of contemporary Vietnamese literature.
Although certainly not exhaustive, the New Literature of the 2015-2025 period partly reflects the landscape of Vietnamese literature in the short story genre over the past decade. The works cover a wide range of issues, from the lowlands to the highlands and islands, expanding the scope to countries beyond the borders. The anthology also aims to incorporate many different literary styles, from rigorous tones to humorous and tragicomic blends, from traditional narrative to new explorations in art and content.
As a familiar name in the New Literature anthology, writer Truong Anh Quoc expressed his joy at the return of New Literature. “With 41 authors, the anthology has summarized a part of literary life, bringing readers new and unique works from renowned writers to emerging authors. Being included in this 10th-anniversary New Literature anthology makes me very happy and proud. This is an opportunity for me to reconnect with fellow writers, read and share ideas to write better and more responsibly,” shared writer Truong Anh Quoc.
Besides established and renowned writers, the 2015-2025 New Literature Magazine also gives opportunities to writers from the 80s, 90s, and Gen Z generations such as Huu Vi, Le Khai Viet, Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa, Van Thanh Le, Nguyen Khac Ngan Vi, Dinh Phuong, Cao Nguyet Nguyen, Hien Trang, Le Quang Trang, Huynh Trong Khang… Among them, the youngest is Vo Dang Khoa (born in 2001, currently living and working in An Giang ).
At the age of 22, Vo Dang Khoa published his short story collection "Flying Camel" (Youth Publishing House), earning him the Young Author Award from the Vietnam Writers Association in 2024. “Being included in the New Literature 10th Anniversary (2015-2025) is an honor and a beautiful milestone on my creative journey. Through this, I am even more convinced that seasoned writers always pay special attention to young writers like us. This is also a motivation for me and other young writers to continue striving harder in our journey with literature,” young writer Vo Dang Khoa expressed.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/hoi-sinh-thuong-hieu-van-moi-post820298.html
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