According to analysts, "Prison Diary" embraces a profound literary meaning and is also considered a cultural heritage of the Vietnamese nation, ever since the work was translated into Vietnamese and released in 1960. In the quartet poetic form, the “Prison Diary" collection has both lyrical poems and autobiographical poems presented in the form of a diary in a variety of styles, reflecting the prison conditions and the psychology of communist soldiers.
Colonel and poet Nguyen Huu Quy says the love of nature embodied in many poems of "The Prison Diary" conveys the message of freedom and encouraging the spirit of revolutionary prisoners to rise out of the dungeons and chains. Poet Nguyen Huu Quy says the ideological and artistic value of "Prison Diary" are undeniable. Professor, Dr. Tran Van Binh, former Director of the Institute of Culture and Development of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said each poem in "Prison Diary" expresses the poet’s emotions and reflects his great cultural personality, who immerses himself in the universe and places himself in the shoes of the people who were battered in an unjust society and voluntarily became an eternal friend of the suffering world.
Over the years, many domestic and foreign scholars have highlighted the special value of "Prison Diary,” which is reflected in its implication and rhetoric as well as the patriotism, steely spirit, and profound humanity it delivers.
Professor Ha Minh Duc, former Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Literature, said.
”Patriotism is the driving force to motivate President Ho Chi Minh to compose "Prison Diary". His works and actions show the will and courage of a prisoner. Such a steely spirit motivates people to move forward,” said Mr. Duc.

 “Prison Diary” is a self-portrait of President Ho Chi Minh. Through poetry, readers can see the great stature of a great man, with an aspiration for independence for the nation and freedom for the people.