(VOVWORLD) - Veteran writer Le Luu, who was dubbed “The writer of the army” and “The writer of the people”, brought a new change to Vietnamese literature in the late 20th and early 21st century. He is the author of many acclaimed novels.
 Writer Le Luu in 2013. (Photo: Hoang Ha/ vietnamnet.vn) |
Le Luu is one of the leading Vietnamese novelists. During his 50-year career, he wrote more than 40 books and won many literature awards, most notably, the State Prize in Literature and Arts in 2001. Though Le Luu’s works were popular in the 1980s, their value still remains until now.
“Le Luu along with other writers of his time wrote lots of literary works to reflect the early years of Vietnam’s renewal process. His stories showed his sympathy for disadvantaged people,” writer Phong Diep said.
Le Luu was born in 1942 in the northern province of Hung Yen. He joined the army and became a war correspondent. After the war, Luu worked for the Van Nghe Quan Doi (Military Arts and Literature) magazine. Luu’s outstanding works include Nguoi Cam Sung (Gun Holder), Mo Rung (Opening the Forest), and Ranh gioi (The borderline). His two novels: Thoi xa vang (Time Away) and Song o day song (Waves at the bottom of the river) depicting Vietnamese society, especially in rural areas in the past, were made into movies.
“I have read many of Le Luu’s novels, but ‘Waves at the bottom of the river’ is my favorite. Though Luu’s works are normally about life in rural areas, they have captured many urban readers’ interest,” said reader Bui Phuong Thao from Hanoi.
 (Photo: Sbooks) |
Le Luu led a simple and modest lifestyle of a rural man which is reflected in his works. Dr. Do Anh Vu from the Voice of Vietnam’s Literature and Arts Department, said, “Through Le Luu’s novels, readers can see him as a gentle, kind-hearted, and cheerful man. The characters in Le Luu’s works live forever in readers’ heart. The characters reflect Le Luu himself as well as the ups and downs in his life.”
Le Luu was the first Vietnamese writer to visit the US after the war and was a particularly influential writer in diplomatic relations. Together with other Vietnamese and American veteran writers, he called on the US Government to lift the embargo and normalize relations with Vietnam.
“With his openness and stories, writer Le Luu helped change American people’s viewpoint toward Vietnamese people. Luu also shared his stories following his trips to the US, which also helped promote relations between the two countries,” said writer Phong Diep.
Le Luu passed away in early November at the age of 81 due to prolonged illness.