I highly recommend reading “Last Night I Dreamed of Peace,” the remarkable diary of Dang Thuy Tram, a doctor who tragically lost her life at the age of 27 while serving on the battlefield during the Vietnam War. This poignant diary was discovered by American military intelligence officer Frederic Whitehurst and brought back to the United States. After thirty-five years, in 2005, it was returned to Dang Thuy Tram’s family in Hanoi and subsequently published to international acclaim.
Another exceptional female writer whose work deserves admiration is Le Minh Khue, the author of the captivating short story collection “The Stars, The Earth, The River.” This collection primarily explores the working-class neighborhoods of Hanoi and offers a raw and gritty portrayal of the city.
If you’re looking for an audiobook to keep you company during your walks around Hanoi, consider “Lanterns Hanging on the Wind.” It’s a phenomenal two-part bilingual radio program that celebrates Vietnamese poetry. The program features the authors themselves reading the poems in Vietnamese, while Jennifer Fossenbell, an American poet, provides the English translations. As the Vietnamese poet Phung Quan once wrote, poetry holds the power to uplift us during difficult times.
While exploring Hanoi, you may find yourself walking along Hai Ba Trung Street, which is named after two legendary warrior sisters. According to folklore, these sisters rode on elephants, leading an army mostly comprised of women to defeat Chinese colonizers around A.D. 40. To delve deeper into the lives of these remarkable women, I suggest listening to the audiobook version of Phong Nguyen’s “Bronze Drum,” beautifully narrated by Quyen Ngo.
In terms of literary landmarks and bookshops to visit, don’t miss Hanoi’s 19/12 Street. This street is dedicated to books and booksellers and conveniently located near the historic Hoa Lo Prison, famously nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton” by U.S. prisoners of war. As you stroll under the canopy of ancient trees, it’s worth reflecting on the street’s history as the former bustling market known as the Underworld Market, named after the mass graves of victims killed during the Anti-French Resistance War. Numerous local book companies and publishers have their stores along this street, showcasing and selling their remarkable titles. It’s a unique and enriching experience for any book lover.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
