At this time, as everyone has just finished their Lunar New Year holiday, perhaps flipping through the pages of " We Live to Return," readers will understand and empathize more with the messages Nguyen Phong Viet conveys in his book. Without philosophy or didacticism, nor writing about grand or distant matters, Nguyen Phong Viet chooses simplicity and honesty to write about things we all encounter, experience, around us, and within ourselves. But not everyone has the ability to write or is ready to express themselves, and Nguyen Phong Viet is like a friend who "always listens, always understands," writing down the things we keep in our hearts but haven't put into words.
Perhaps, for any Vietnamese person, the last days of the year are always the most emotionally charged time. Those far away feel restless, eagerly awaiting their return; those at home share the same feelings, anxiously wondering if those who have left will return this year, and if so, when? All these emotions blend together to create the wistful feeling of the final days of the year, as Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches. Nguyen Phong Viet believes there are many reasons why someone might leave, why they might be far from home. And every day, on all the paths of life, people constantly come and go, each holding in their heart a promise to return. That is, to return to their beloved home, to be reunited with loved ones. But there are also those who leave and no longer have a place to return to; in that case, there is always a small path back: returning to oneself to reflect, to understand oneself better, and from there make changes to live more positively than yesterday.
On this journey home, Nguyen Phong Viet also shares with readers the feelings and experiences he has gathered. These include the rural markets lining the roads, displaying the festive atmosphere of Tet for people to buy, sell, and admire; and a fleeting moment of melancholy as the tray of candied fruits each year is missing a familiar flavor, due to the mother's age and declining health… In just over 190 pages, "We Live to Return" offers readers a truthful glimpse into the past year and the meaning of returning home in the final days of the year. And as a continuation, after a return comes a departure. But this time, the heart is more serene and peaceful, filled with longing and hope.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nho-nhung-cuoc-tro-ve-post840467.html
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