In particular, her novel "The Contract of Selling Strawberry" was recently adapted into a movie and has left an impression on audiences.
Talking with Hanoi Moi Weekend, Thuc Linh shares about her creative journey and writing philosophy of a person who is passionate about the mystical world but always aims for the light of the human heart.
- Hello Thuc Linh, “The Contract of Selling Strawberry” - the film adapted from your work, was released in theaters last September and has received positive reviews. How do you feel when you see the world you created come to the big screen?
- When I saw the world and characters I created come to life on screen, I was both moved and nervous. “The Contract of Selling Brides” being given a new life through cinema is a milestone that makes me happy and grateful, although I still can’t help but worry about whether what I imagined will be recreated as expected.
- In “The Contract of Selling Strawberry”, many audiences were impressed by the unique atmosphere: both mysterious and imbued with Northern culture in the early 20th century. Why did you choose this setting for the story?
- The story was originally set in a modern setting, but after researching many documents, I decided to move the time back to the early 20th century to create an ancient, dark, and oppressive atmosphere for the story.
In the story, readers can encounter wedding customs, family traditions of the rich families of the North in the past, worship beliefs, and typical spiritual elements.
Through the story of Nhai - a poor girl who entered the Vu family's mansion - I want to reflect the tragedy of people bound by fate's contract.
- It seems like you don't write horror stories simply to "scare" people?
- That's right. Thuc Linh always hopes to change readers' perceptions of this literary genre: It's not just simply bringing fear, but it can also be profound, conveying many human meanings, cultural beauty, beliefs, and history of the nation. I reject shallow, superficial writing, creating "unreasonable fears", but write in layers, with many surprises, explaining the source of fear and obsession, thereby helping readers overcome it.
- Your works always have depth in folk culture and beliefs. Why are you interested in this topic?
- Vietnam has a history of thousands of years with many profound cultural and religious values preserved through many generations. In the 4.0 era, when many traditional beauties are gradually being lost, I feel that I - a writer with a love for national beliefs - have the responsibility to convey those quintessential values to more generations of readers.
- In “The Strawberry Contract”, many small details are analyzed by readers as interesting "Easter Eggs". Was that your intention?
- Yes (laughs). I like the way of writing that makes readers have to read it many times to "decode". Not only stopping at the suspenseful story situations, "The Contract of Selling Strawberry" also has many hidden details with full intention, creating curiosity and making readers ponder after closing the book. For example, the painting in Dinh's bedroom, or the mysterious fishing line that the ghost gave to Nhai...
- After "The Contract of Selling Strawberry", do you think that Vietnamese mystical literature is entering a new phase - when works can go beyond books and into cinema?
- I consider this a good sign for Vietnamese mystical literature, as more and more works are being adapted to the screen. Previously, this literary genre was considered an underground literary genre, little noticed by the academic world. However, this very progress also requires mystical writers to cultivate more to create works with cultural and historical depth and a truly attractive, multi-layered plot.
- In addition to “The Contract of Selling Strawberry”, readers also mentioned a lot about “The Four Mysterious Spirits” - a work that exploits the historical and religious elements of Thang Long. Do you feel that you are gradually forming your own “universe” of writing?
- Up to now, I have had a considerable amount of works with my own writing style. “Tu Tran Huyen Linh” is also in that “universe” of writing. This work is evaluated by many critics as conveying profound information about Vietnamese history, presenting outstanding facts of four dynasties in history along with typical cultural features. The book has conveyed historical knowledge to readers in a natural way without being dry.
- Can you tell us a little about your upcoming project?
- Currently, my colleagues and I are working on a detective - historical - mystery novel called "Huyet Chieu Hoa", set in the Trinh - Le dynasty with many mysteries and thrilling cases. Hopefully the work will be released soon and receive the welcome of readers.
- Thank you Thuc Linh for this conversation. Wishing you continued success on your creative path!
Thuc Linh graduated from the Faculty of Pedagogy of Hanoi National University and is currently a Literature teacher. Thuc Linh started writing stories in 2017 and received great attention from readers who love spiritual stories on social networks. Her published works include: "The Ancient Tomb Village" (2020), "The Four Mysterious Spirits" (2021), "The Ivory White Moon" (2021), "The Strawberry Sale Contract" (2022), "The Weeping Forest" (2023), "The Red Wormwood" (2024). Of which, "The Ancient Tomb Village" - Thuc Linh's debut work made a strong impression when it sold out 1,000 copies after 1 month of release.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/thuc-linh-toi-muon-nguoi-doc-khong-chi-so-ma-con-thau-hieu-719421.html
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