On the occasion of the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth - a figure whose legacy is deeply etched into the heart of the Vietnamese people and the world - Omega Vietnam Publishing Joint Stock Company, in collaboration with the National Political Publishing House - Truth, has released the second edition of Golden Lotus, a novel by author Son Tung. More than a publishing event, this is an emotional return to a pure and gentle memory - where the seeds of Ho Chi Minh’s extraordinary character are tenderly portrayed through prose and reverence.
Among the many works written about President Ho Chi Minh, Golden Lotus stands out for its lyrical and soulful prose. Rather than simply recounting history, the book quietly sows admiration in the reader’s heart. In the novel, Ho Chi Minh - already a legendary figure during his lifetime - appears not as a distant icon, but as the young Nguyễn Sinh Côn, living with his parents and older brother in the ancient capital of Hue, amidst the stirring tides of early 20th-century Vietnam. From modest meals to following his father to the court hall, from childhood lessons in patriotism and compassion, a great moral character gradually begins to take root.
With a narrative style that is simple, melodic, and evocative of classical poetry, Son Tung resurrects the atmosphere of a bygone era: the silent noons in Hue beneath a drifting moon, the early autumn afternoons when cotton-tree blossoms fell in the courtyard, and the rivers of childhood reflecting the image of a skinny boy with bright eyes, clutching his books as if embracing a dream vast enough to cross oceans. The book not only highlights Nguyễn Tất Thành’s intelligence, frugality, sense of justice, and deep empathy but also paints a miniature portrait of a society in transition. Characters like Miss Hạnh, Brother Tuấn, young Kỳ, and Brother Quang add depth and harmony to this quiet symphony of familial love, mentorship, and community spirit.
Few writers have written about Ho Chi Minh with the same honest, effortless, and profound affection as Son Tung. He does not recount battles or diplomatic milestones. Instead, he walks the path of a boy who cried at his mother’s passing, stood in silent grief at his sibling’s death, and pressed on with resilience through hardship and loss. As such, Golden Lotus is more than a valuable biographical work - it is a refreshing, soul-nourishing stream, especially for young readers in search of life’s higher ideals.
The title Golden Lotus is both humble and profound. It symbolizes not only the purity and nobility of one man but also the enduring spirit of a nation that has risen through pain, guided by intellect and virtue. The book carries the sacred breath of the homeland, of the people, and of history that never truly fades.
Author Son Tung, born Bùi Sơn Tùng (1928 - 2021) in Nghe An province, devoted his life to writing about Ho Chi Minh with unwavering respect and affection. Through his words, he preserved the memory of the beloved leader like a sacred flame in everyday life. Golden Lotus, alongside Green Lotus Bud, represents the pinnacle of his literary journey - a body of work that is at once historical and heartfelt.
Translated by MINH KIÊN
VNQD