Top 10 Classic Literary Works of Vietnam

Wild Childhood is a remarkable literary work that resonates with readers of all ages, evoking many tears. As you read each page, you feel transported back to a distant past, following the long struggle of our nation for independence. The story of brave young boys who joined the revolution stirs every emotion: anger, love, joy, sorrow... The more you read, the more you are drawn into the footsteps of 'Vê – cu – đê,' understanding the hardships endured by our people under the colonial French rule.

Although it is set during the war, Wild Childhood does not carry a somber, depressing tone. The work remains vibrant, humorous, and joyful, thanks to Phùng Quán’s simple, genuine, and realistic writing style. If you haven't read Wild Childhood yet, give it a try; it will surely not disappoint, and will help you appreciate the peace we enjoy today.

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It is often said that 'Thạch Lam’s stories are those without plots.' His works unfold gently, with everything flowing quietly along the passage of time and the emotional currents of the characters, without the need for 'dramatic tension' or 'climaxes.' Each story feels like the calm surface of autumn water, and if you immerse yourself in his writing, you'll catch the 'flavor of life' that permeates each line and word.

What makes Thạch Lam so skilled is his ability to tell simple, ordinary stories, making readers occasionally realize the familiar images of life around them, allowing them to pause and reflect on life’s fleeting moments. The Cold Winds of Early Season is a collection of such short stories by Thạch Lam. The main characters in this collection could be a promising young intellectual, yet emotionally shallow, or a child who, despite fear of being scolded by their mother, still shares their excess with those in need. Thạch Lam writes about his characters with great tenderness, reflecting his compassion for their suffering, often depicting those on the fringes of society, looked down upon by others.

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The Sorrow of War is a work that lingers in the reader’s mind with its profound, painful, and brutal portrayal of a soldier’s life, fragmented by emotions and brief moments that, no matter how hard one tries, cannot be pieced together into a smooth whole. Kiên, the narrator, spends ten years in the war and another ten years in peace, trying to make sense of his imperfect family and fractured existence.

With a passionate, almost frantic love for life, and a harsh reality that is far from noble, Kiên’s world is one of dreams—dreams on the bloodstained battlefield, dreams of a reckless life in pursuit of eternal freedom. When the book ends, it leaves the reader unsettled, overwhelmed with confusion, regret, and despair, questioning life, humanity, and ideals—questions that may never be answered, no matter how hard one searches for answers.

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Days of Childhood is a beautiful yet bittersweet portrayal of childhood, filled with moments of shame and sorrow. With carefully crafted yet simple language, Nguyên Hồng masterfully captures the inner turmoil, the emotional highs and lows of the character Hồng.

The author vividly conveys the hardships, innocence, contradictions, and the contrasting emotions of the character, making them feel alive and relatable. At the same time, the work harshly critiques the cruel customs that oppressed his mother, forcing them to be apart for a time. The author draws a clear distinction, showing empathy for both Hồng’s mother and aunt, recognizing that they were victims of the corrupt traditions that distorted their once gentle hearts. In the end, the author’s childhood may not have been perfect or full of color, but beneath it all lies a deep pride and boundless love for his past.

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The Golden Past is regarded as a work that strives toward perfection, allowing readers to feel the old way of life, the noble art of a bygone civilization, and a sense of longing for beauty lost. From the beauty found in the strength of Mr. Lý Văn’s ‘pencil’ in the story ‘Throwing the Pencil,’ to the intricate artistry of blending a story into the lantern of Mr. Cử Hai for his son Ngộ Lang.

The delicate, complex artistry depicted in the work cannot be found in today’s modern society. Readers will sense Nguyễn Tuân’s celebration of beauty, written with a tone of warmth tinged with a touch of melancholy. The artists in his stories focus solely on their craft, and under Nguyễn Tuân’s masterful pen, their lives emerge in a dim, ethereal light.

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Through the novel The Picked Wife, Kim Lân powerfully portrays the painful reality of the 1945 famine: people like Tràng, Thị, and the elderly Mrs. Tứ struggle to survive on meager food within a crumbling home, surrounded by the haunting specter of hunger.

However, the author reflects this grim reality with deep empathy and concern. Kim Lân's profound connection to the plight of the peasants allows him to fully understand the harshness of their lives, uncovering hidden beauty amidst the despair. Despite being driven to desperation, their humanity remains intact—ready to share what little they have, to care for one another, and to dream of a brighter future. Kim Lân also expresses his admiration for the characters' hopes and aspirations, even when the opportunity for a better future seems slim, offering a glimpse of hope beyond their hardships.

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Chí Phèo is a famous short story by Nam Cao, written in February 1941. It stands out as a remarkable work, showcasing Nam Cao’s unique storytelling technique while depicting the tragic downfall of a poor farmer in society. Chí Phèo, the main character, is at the heart of the story. Initially titled Cái lò gạch cũ, the story was renamed Đôi lứa xứng đôi by the publisher when it was first printed in 1941. Later, when it was republished in the collection Tập Luống cày in 1946, Nam Cao decided to revert to the title Chí Phèo.

The narrative vividly portrays Chí Phèo, once a kind-hearted young man from Vũ Đại village, whose life is ruined by a society that is part feudal, part colonial. Bá Kiến, the embodiment of the ruling class, drives Chí Phèo into a life of crime, transforming him into the village’s infamous villain, feared for his violent actions. However, after meeting Thị Nở, a woman scorned by society, Chí Phèo's suppressed goodness emerges. He dreams of becoming a better man, with the hope of leading a happy life with her. Unfortunately, the tragic ending forces readers to reflect deeply on the cruelty of fate. Chí Phèo takes the life of Bá Kiến and ends his own existence in despair.

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Turn Off the Lights is arguably Ngô Tất Tố’s most successful work. The author brilliantly created the character of Chị Dậu, embodying the true spirit and strength of Vietnamese women during that era. For her family, Chị Dậu is willing to sacrifice everything, enduring life’s hardships while maintaining her unwavering resilience under the oppressive, semi-colonial, and feudal society.

Ngô Tất Tố’s portrayal of her life is filled with profound tragedy and struggle. Throughout the novel, readers will not find any glimmer of hope in her existence, with her life remaining in darkness until the very end. The heartbreaking scene where she sells her dogs, and ultimately, her own child due to unbearable poverty, leaves a lasting impact. The author powerfully captures this sorrowful reality through poignant yet stark prose. Turn Off the Lights is a profound work of literature, reflecting the depth of historical meaning and the humanity of its story.

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Vũ Trọng Phụng, often called the 'king of Northern reportage,' created works that profoundly reflect the reality of his time. His novel Red Weather stands out as a perfect example. The story follows Xuân Tóc Đỏ, a vagabond whose life takes a drastic turn from misfortune to unexpected success. His journey from becoming a city official to marrying a modern woman, exposing infidelities, sacrificing for the nation, and receiving national honors unfolds in the novel.

The main character, Xuân Tóc Đỏ, ascends from a lowly existence to a respected figure due to the Westernization trend that swept through the middle class in Hanoi. *Red Weather* was originally written to satirize the social modernization efforts of the Tự Lực Văn Đoàn, a group that held significant influence over the intellectual and cultural landscape of the time. Phụng critiques the Westernization program, mocking its emphasis on superficial changes like fitness, new clothing styles, and women's liberation, pointing out the loss of deeper, traditional values in the process.

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The Final Road depicts the tragic life of Pha before the August Revolution. Back then, Pha was strong, healthy, and had a wife and child. With his youth, strength, and diligent nature, his family was not in dire straits. However, the colonial feudal system drove him, like millions of farmers, into a dead end.

The landlord, Nghị Lại, grew wealthy through exploitation, forming a corrupt alliance with government officials to amass wealth. Pha became embroiled in a lawsuit with his neighbor, Trương Thi. In need of money, he borrowed from Nghị Lại, and as interest soared, he was forced to sell his land and his wife’s merchandise. A famine, floods, and cholera outbreak devastated the region, causing the deaths of Pha’s wife and child. Pha, superstitious, believed it was due to sorcery, and was forced to pay more village taxes. In the end, after a failed harvest, Pha lost everything. Nghị Lại came to demand repayment, and Pha was forced to leave his village. The story powerfully highlights the ruthless exploitation by landlords, the oppression from corrupt officials, and the injustices of the decaying feudal system, driving Pha to ruin.

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