Remembering writer Doan Gioi

For me, over the years, I have cherished a special memory of the writer Doan Gioi, a man I not only admired for his literary talent but also deeply respected for his character.

Yes, there was a famous writer from Southern Vietnam; he passed away a long time ago, but whenever I remember him, I think of a man who was honest and kind-hearted. That was the writer Doan Gioi.

I only just learned that Doan Gioi was one of the 25 "founding writers" of the Vietnam Writers Association in 1957, perhaps because he was one of the writers representing the writers of Southern Vietnam.

Nhớ nhà văn Đoàn Giỏi- Ảnh 1. — Writer Doan Gioi (1925 - 1989)

In the old days, I read Southern Forest Land This was Đoàn Giỏi's opinion after reading Tô Hoài's *The Adventures of the Cricket* . Those are the two children's books that I like the most; I consider them the best. Later on, there were also some other very good children's books by Nguyễn Quang Sáng, Dương Thu Hương, etc. But I still like the books by Tô Hoài and Đoàn Giỏi the most.

By chance, in the summer of 1983, the Vietnam Writers Association (then chaired by Mr. Nguyen Ngoc) organized a field trip for writers, prioritizing older writers. At that time, I was quite young (only 37 years old), but I was invited to participate and went on the field trip to Quang Nam and Da Nang with the older writers.

We gathered in Da Nang, at the Provincial Committee's guesthouse, but later the writers were divided into groups to go on field trips to different regions. I was in the same group as Tu Son, Thai Ba Loi, and Trung Trung Dinh—three young writers—and in the group were two veteran writers: the female poet Anh Tho and the writer Doan Gioi. I don't know the ages of these two veterans, but they were certainly both over 70. They went on field trips with us young writers, and they were in no way inferior to the younger generation in terms of walking. In many areas like the white sands of Binh Duong or the midland of Dai Loc, we had to walk from one point to another under the summer sun. Anh Tho and Doan Gioi walked very well, and they chatted happily along the way.

I remember the time we passed through the Bình Dương sand dunes, a region famous as a guerrilla base during the war. We went "from house to house, visiting the elderly..." and even met with the guerrillas, who were then middle-aged, listening to their stories of fighting in this harsh sandy region. One afternoon, while walking in Bình Dương and chatting happily, two "old timers" suddenly started arguing. It all started with Mr. Đoàn Giỏi making a joke—Southerners are very humorous, just for fun—but Mr. Anh Thơ, being a meticulous Northerner, didn't take it seriously. Mr. Anh Thơ retorted rather harshly, which angered Mr. Đoàn Giỏi, who threatened to bring the matter to the Party branch... We, his younger colleagues, quickly intervened, but I don't know if Mr. Đoàn Giỏi actually brought this "incident" to the Party branch meeting of the writers' field trip...

At the end of 1983, the 3rd Writers' Congress was held, after a 21-year hiatus due to the war. I was able to attend, even though I was just a child at the 2nd Congress in 1962. That was still a significant step forward. During the congress, when it came to nominating candidates for the executive committee, I don't know who nominated me, and since I didn't express any intention to withdraw, I was allowed to remain in the election. I received 44 votes, while to be elected to the executive committee I needed 76 votes. Losing like that was acceptable, so I was very pleased.

During a short break at the conference, I had the opportunity to have a friendly conversation with Mr. Doan Gioi. His kind words filled me with pride, reflecting the affection he has for me – a fan of his work since childhood. And I still am.

Nhớ nhà văn Đoàn Giỏi- Ảnh 2. — The cover of the special edition *of "Land of the Southern Forests"* commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of writer Doan Gioi.

When " Southern Forest Land " was adapted into a TV series, I watched every single episode. And, wonderfully, the theme song, also titled "Song of Southern Land , " composed by musician Lu Nhat Vu with lyrics by poet Le Giang, became one of the best songs ever written about the Southern region of Vietnam, and it remains my favorite to this day. With the novel " Southern Forest Land " and the song "Song of Southern Land , " I believe the Southern region of Vietnam, which I cherish and where I spent five years "wandering through the war," has been deservedly honored. A true work of art can beautify an entire region.

Now, sometimes when I drive along National Highway 4 through Tien Giang, I notice a junior high school in the Trung Luong - My Tho area named after Doan Gioi. The writer passed away long ago, but the junior high school bearing his name still stands in his hometown. Remembering Doan Gioi, I recall his words to me at the 3rd Writers' Congress, words so honest and heartfelt, from a writer so loyal and devoted. Loyal and devoted, like the land of his homeland where I lived during the war.

A writer may only leave a lasting legacy with one work, but it is the work that the writer poured their heart and soul into. Doan Gioi was such a writer.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nho-nha-van-doan-gioi-185250517160554239.htm