Vietnamese writer wins literary prize (Vietnamnews 6-11-2010)

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Vietnamese writer wins literary prize



Childhood dream: Writer Nguyen Nhat Anh signs books for his fans. — File Photo

HA NOI — Nguyen Nhat Anh is among eight writers from the region to win recognition at the Southeast Asian Writers Awards 2010.

The award ceremony was held yesterday in Bangkok to honour leading poets and writers in the ASEAN region.

The ten countries which comprise the ASEAN region are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.

The author won a prize for his Give Me a Ticket Back to Childhood which was written in 2008.

"I wrote the story not only for children, but for people who used to be children," Anh said.

Anh is a Vietnamese author well-known for his engaging stories for both teenagers and adults. He also works as a teacher, a poet and a reporter.

His works are enormous, including approximately 24 short stories, two giant novel series and poetry collections.

He is regarded as one of the most successful writers for teenagers.

The story Give Me a Ticket Back to Childhood was a best-seller at the 5th HCM City book fair, with over 15,000 copies sold within 10 days.

His most well-known series Kinh van hoa, (Kaleidoscope) which contains 54 volumes about three teenagers and the stories around their friendship and school life, has recently been transformed into four drama series of the same name.

The series became a major success and received extravagant acclaim from both readers and critics.

In 1995, he was voted the most popular writer for the last 20 years (1975-1995) and the most talented individual through a poll held by Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

In 1990, he received A-class Literature for Youth Prize for Chu Be Rac Roi (The troubled boy).

The Southeast Asian Writers Awards was established in 1979. About 13 Vietnamese authors have been awarded since 1996.

(Vietnamnews 6-11-2010)