A vibrant year for literature in Dong Nai.

In 2025, the literary field of Dong Nai province recorded many positive signs as the team of artists and writers worked hard and created works of diverse genres and rich themes.

Literary works from Dong Nai published in 2025. Photo: My Ny

From short stories, novels, and poetry to photo books and autobiographies, these works not only reflect the pulse of contemporary life but also win numerous prestigious awards from the central to local levels, contributing to affirming the position of Dong Nai literature in the flow of Vietnamese literature.

Diverse genres, rich themes

In the realm of prose, writer Nguyen Thai Hai had a year of persistent creative work with four works published: *The Human Dimension* (short story collection), *Lost in the City* (novel), *A Time of Youthful Bloom* (short story collection), and *In the Flow of Dong Nai* (essay collection). His works not only broaden the scope of reflecting life, from everyday glimpses to the depths of human existence, but also vividly record stories and experiences of the culture and history of Dong Nai, especially the period after the implementation of the two-tiered local government model.

Continuing this enduring line of inspiration, writer Dao Sy Quang also earns the admiration of book lovers for his remarkable work ethic. In 2025, he published the works *Truyen Com* (short stories), *Lien Minh Ma Quy va Tinh Boi* (novel), *Ben Kia Loi Hua* (novel), and *Anh Sang Trong Dem* (novel). Among these, *Anh Sang Trong Dem* was commissioned by the State and published by Dong Nai Publishing House. These works demonstrate his innovative approach to subject matter, especially contemporary social issues.

In the field of poetry, many new poetry collections have been published, such as: "Trees in the Garden" by poet Minh Ha; "Birds Singing in the Garden" by poet Do Minh Duong; "Moss Flowers" by author Hong Nhan; "Celebrating the River's Birthday" by poet Le Dang Khang; "Unveiling the Curtain" by author Le Sy Tung… demonstrating the continuous efforts of the authors in searching for tone, imagery, and emotional depth. Not stopping at lyrical themes expressing love for nature, people, and the land of Dong Nai, the works also expand to reflection and contemplation on social changes.

While not a scholarly or literary criticism book, the work "Thinking Close… Thinking Far…" by researcher Bui Quang Huy reflects on and discusses political , cultural, historical, and educational issues in the locality. Along with that, publications documenting and preserving the memories of the people and the land of Dong Nai also leave their own mark. Notable examples include the photo book "Long Khanh I Love" by Pham Van Hoang; the autobiography "Flowers Blooming on the Hilltop" by Nguyen Duy Dong; and the memoir "Beside the River Reflecting Its Shadow" by Nguyen Thi Tham…

Affirming its position through awards

Dong Nai literature in 2025 also left a strong mark through prestigious awards from the central to local levels. In the list of awards from the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations in 2025, author Ho Que Hau won an encouragement award with his collection of short stories and memoirs, "From the Spring to the Great Sea." The work was highly praised for its profound reflections, close adherence to real-life situations, and its humanistic message about the aspiration for self-improvement, linking individual destiny with community responsibility.

Writer Dao Sy Quang is one of the prominent figures who has won numerous awards simultaneously. Specifically, he won the B prize for the short story "The Flame" at the Short Story and Essay Writing Contest on the theme of the People's Police organized by the Ministry of Public Security ; the B prize for the novel "Beyond the Promise" at the Dong Nai Provincial Literature and Arts Award in 2025; and his collection of short stories "The Red-Faced Wharf" was selected as an outstanding representative work of the province 50 years after the reunification of the country.

In addition, writer Nguyen Duy Hien won first prize in the "Kindness Around Us" writing contest with his work "The Story of Mr. Hung Exhuming the Graves of Fallen Soldiers"; writer Nguyen Tri won the third prize in the 5th "Novel, Short Story and Memoir" writing contest on the theme "For National Security and Peaceful Life" with his work "Broken Wings of the Underworld". The Dong Nai Provincial Arts and Literature Awards 2025 also recognized many other authors such as Nguyen Huu Dien, Nguyen Duy Hien, Le Dang Khang, Le Sy Tung, Nguyen Thi Tham, Nguyen Ngoc Dung, Nguyen Thi Phan… in the poetry and short story categories.

People's Artist Giang Manh Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and President of the Dong Nai Provincial Association of Literature and Arts, stated: "The awards received in 2025 are not only a source of joy and pride for each author but also clear evidence of the efforts, perseverance, and creativity of the Dong Nai arts community. The award-winning works closely reflect life, the spirit of the times, and demonstrate social responsibility and a desire to contribute."

In 2025, the Dong Nai Provincial Association of Literature and Arts launched the Anthology of Literature and Arts commemorating 50 years, the Anthology of Half a Century of Dong Nai Literature, along with dozens of books by its members. The Dong Nai Literature and Arts Magazine published 12 issues with over 33,000 copies; the association's website received over 6 million visits, meeting the needs of the public inside and outside the province for enjoying literature and arts.

“In the coming time, the association will continue to accompany and create a favorable creative environment, encouraging artists to innovate their thinking and improve the quality of their works. We will focus on discovering and nurturing young creative talents, contributing to the sustainable development of the province's cultural and artistic life, meeting the demands of the public in the new era,” Mr. Giang Manh Ha emphasized.

My Ny

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202601/mot-nam-soi-dong-cua-van-hoc-ong-nai-c6300ff/