Release of printed version of epic poem "Flood"

The epic poem “Flood” by poet Lu Mai carries a profound message of sympathy for those who have been severely affected by natural disasters. Taking the central image of the soul of an unfortunate child swept away by the flood, the epic poem leads readers through both tragic and hopeful scenes, emphasizing the message of love, sharing and responsibility towards nature and the community.

When launched in the form of ebook, audiobook, videobook in December 2024, the epic poem "Flood" quickly reached readers across the country through digital platforms and at the same time laid the foundation for a humanitarian project for children in mountainous areas, helping them go to school and overcome many difficulties caused by natural disasters.

The project, implemented by WAKA E-Book Joint Stock Company in collaboration with the author, has donated cash and many essential items such as warm blankets, clothes, shoes, to support students in mountainous areas.

Right at the time of launching the e-book, the project visited and gave gifts in Bao Lac district, Cao Bang province and the journey has continued in the recent period.

The printed book version continues to spread that meaningful journey, bringing the work closer to readers who love traditional literature and philanthropists who want to accompany the community that is suffering from pain and damage due to the consequences of natural disasters.

Sharing about the work, poet Lu Mai expressed: “We chose to publish the work first as an e-book, both to keep up with technology, but more importantly, to bring the work to readers as quickly as possible, regardless of boundaries or circumstances. When natural disasters occur, when pain is still there, we cannot wait for the day of printing the book, but need a timely hand. Printed books come out later, at the present time, adding a moment of silence, time for us to look back on memories, to preserve the journey of sharing and will continue. For me, the most important thing is that literature does not stand outside of life. I always feel pain when children suffer, they need to continue to study and hope. I believe that if literature can do something close, simple, even small, it can still touch the heart and stir the action of the community.”

Ms. Phung Thi Nhu Quynh, Deputy Director of WAKA E-Book Joint Stock Company, said: “From the moment we approached the manuscript of the epic poem “Flood”, we realized the humanistic value, where words can become actions, where emotions can spark change. Launching the e-book version at the end of 2024 is a choice to quickly spread the humanistic spirit of the work to readers everywhere, through the power of digital technology . The work has become a bridge of hearts, the origin of the journey to accompany children in the highlands, bringing loving trips and practical gifts to the children right after the e-book was launched”.

Ms. Phung Thi Nhu Quynh also believes that the release of the printed book version is an emotional next step, a way to preserve a kind journey of literature, when the community, authors and technology join hands for something more beautiful. “For WAKA, the epic poem “Flood” is an important milestone, not only in content or technology but also in cultural depth and community spirit. We believe that there will be more and more meaningful projects in the future, where literature not only brings enjoyment value but also aims for truly humane action,” said Ms. Nhu Quynh.

The epic poem “Flood” was illustrated by young artist Hoang Nhat Quang (2012), a Tay ethnic in Lang Son , with a series of paintings called “Mother Nature” that convey a clear yet profound view of nature and people in the highlands. The Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House sponsored all publishing costs for both the electronic and printed versions, supporting the humanitarian spirit and artistic value of the work.

The epic poem “Flood” is also the first and only e-book to date to be honored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as one of the Top 10 outstanding books of 2024 in the field of literature and arts, marking the development of digital literature.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/phat-hanh-ban-in-truong-ca-lu-post881475.html