Author Ma Thien Dong and the pages of books that keep the fire of memories burning

Her perseverance and persistence in recording and rewriting stories of real people and events during the war has contributedto educating the tradition of fighting to defend the country, helping today's generation to appreciate a peaceful life more.

In 2004, the book titled “Saigon Commandos, Stories Just Told Now” published by Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House received the attention of many readers. It was also the first book by author Ma Thien Dong (born in 1947, member of the Ho Chi Minh City Writers Association) that I read and was captivated by her simple writing style, respect for the truth, and full of affection for historical witnesses.

Later, I met her many times, and each time I learned that she had a new book, while the first book had been reprinted 10 times, I admired her even more - a writer who was deeply attached to that seemingly dry and unattractive field.

Write about people to tell history

As a literature teacher with a personal interest in the historical period of the resistance war against America to save the country, ever since she was still teaching, author Ma Thien Dong always thought: How can we pass on to the younger generation the patriotism as well as the bravery of the previous generation?

Coincidentally, although she was born, grew up and started working in the North, she was able to join the cadre training class that took over the South after the liberation. Therefore, she soon met and came into contact with the people as well as the revolutionary spirit that was typical of this place.

After retiring, she decided to devote her time to writing. “Writing books about war cannot be separated from historical witnesses. I want to write about people to tell history. Writing history can be based on documents and research, but writing about the people who fought directly, I met them and felt them directly,” she shared.

Author Ma Thien Dong completed her first book after nearly 10 years of collecting materials, but from then on, information kept pouring in and every year, she published at least one book.

Other works that have created attraction include “The Man Who Sunk the US Warship USNS Card”, “Suicide Squadron at Sea”, “Bronze Arrows of Cho Lon”, “Step Out of Silence”, “Waterways of the Saigon Suburbs”, “Legends in the Underground”…

Former Saigon female commando Vu Minh Nghia said: “We really appreciate Ms. Dong for not sparing her effort and time to meet us to record and write about real people and real events. We are all old, and soon we will also take our stories away forever. Having someone who wants to fully record old stories from our own perspective and emotions is truly precious.”

That is probably also one of the reasons why anyone who comes into contact with author Ma Thien Dong will always find her excited as if something is urging her.

She herself admitted that the more she learned about the fighting life of the children of the Citadel, the more surprised she was by what they had experienced because before her eyes were just people like many other gentle, simple people of the South, yet they had made miraculous achievements that terrified the enemy.

“I don’t know why, but every time I meet a historical witness, I am moved and I don’t know where my health comes from, I just keep writing day and night, writing tirelessly, just wanting to honor historical witnesses, to put them on the pages of a book,” she recalled.

One of the books that set a record for reprints by author Ma Thien Dong is “The man whose leg was amputated by the CIA 6 times” (reprinted 11 times), written about Major, Hero of the People's Armed Forces Nguyen Van Thuong, the liaison leader of the A.36 Intelligence Group, who was often responsible for transferring intelligence information from strategic spies (Pham Xuan An, Dang Tran Duc...) to the base.

During the period of meeting him to interview and collect documents, for many months, every day, she took the bus more than ten kilometers to his house, sat and talked, took notes, and cried every time. The book was successful not only because it clearly portrayed the harsh truth when an intelligence officer fell into the hands of the enemy, but also because of the affection and harmony between the author and the character.

Through history to connect generations

It can be said that, along with those who have experienced the war, today's readers find in the pages of author Ma Thien Dong's books images of the resistance period that are close and vivid, through the lens and emotions of those involved, unlike simple historical lines, helping them to understand and love more the people who made the victory, and to appreciate life more.

In fact, right from her first manuscripts, publishers: Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House, People's Army Publishing House all realized that, although writing about a familiar topic, the author had her own attractive way of expressing it. These works also became valuable sources of material for the traditional bookcases of publishers.

Ms. Hoang Thi Huong, editor of Ho Chi Minh City General Publishing House, shared: "I see Ms. Ma Thien Dong as someone with strengths in the field of memoirs and historical novels.

Through her works, I see a common point: clearly depicting the historical context as well as the brutality of war, while revealing the experiences and thoughts of the characters, something that research works or history textbooks find difficult to fully express.

That's why, through more than 30 books by author Ma Thien Dong, even though he doesn't follow trends, readers who have read one book want to read many more.

Author Ma Thien Dong still says that her success in writing career is also a matter of fate.

From the results of her work with her pen and the reception of readers, she has the opportunity to bring characters in her books to talk about traditions, exchange with agencies, departments, branches, organizations, and schools in Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces.

Each meeting with living legends has a profound educational effect on the heroic tradition of fighting and defending the country for the people, especially the young generation. That is also the message from the author and the characters to the young generation about national pride.

Colonel, Hero of the People's Armed Forces, former Head of the H.63 Intelligence Group Nguyen Van Tau (aka Tu Cang) affirmed: "Writer Ma Thien Dong was very active and diligent in collecting and meeting witnesses, mainly witnesses in special fields such as intelligence, special forces, and special forces.

Stories about us are difficult to write, but she has written such a “massive” volume of work, which is very admirable. This has a great effect, making people see how the ancients fought, and it is also a source of encouragement for us.”

The war is long gone, but it is a blessing that there are still writers passionate about the history of revolutionary fighting like author Ma Thien Dong.

From the pages of her books, generations of historical witnesses have returned to life today, still as beautiful as their past exploits.

My last question before leaving was what she wished for, she still happily answered: “I just wish for good health so that I can meet more historical witnesses, and continue to tell these stories. This topic, these people, no matter how much I write, it will never be finished! And I always keep in mind that I have to write quickly so that their stories can be passed down to future generations.”

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tac-gia-ma-thien-dong-va-nhung-trang-sach-giu-lua-ky-uc-post881983.html