A lively book talk introducing Truong toc (the Clan Head), the newest novel by writer Pham Quang Long, drew lecturers, researchers, writers, poets, and literature students at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University on November 11 in Hanoi.
Critic Pham Xuan Nguyen, who moderated the event, opened with an overview of the author and his prolific literary journey.
Since retiring, Pham Quang Long has written with remarkable energy, nine books in seven years, with Truong toc as his latest.
The novel continues his lifelong thread: the Vietnamese village. Although he left rural life long ago, his imagination always returns to it. For him, the village is not just a setting, it is an enduring memory, a quiet obsession, and a vast reservoir of stories.
An overview of the book talk introducing Truong toc. Photos: PNVN
In Truong toc, he tells the tale of a clan during a transitional period when a woman temporarily holds the role of clan head. Through the family’s memories and reflections, the novel opens up conversations about history, the present, and the future.
At the talk, critics highlighted Long’s deep affection for rural culture, from traditions and customs to the meticulous descriptions of food, landscapes, and daily life. Many noted that his books often feel like encyclopedias of Vietnamese village life, rich, detailed, and warm.
Writer Suong Nguyet Minh praised Long’s sincerity and classic narrative style, while critic La Khac Hoa admired his “powerful writing” and unique voice.
Nguyen Thu Hien, Head of the Literature Faculty at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Hanoi, presents flowers to writer Pham Quang Long.
Discussions also touched upon the fading values of rural Vietnam, family bonds, communal harmony, and cultural identity, which Long hopes to preserve through his work.
The event also celebrated a special milestone: Pham Quang Long’s earlier novel Doi mat won the A Prize in the national writing contest on the theme “For National Security and Peaceful Life,” awarded the same day.
Translated by DO HUONG
VNQD