Controversy Surrounds "The Sorrow of War" as Sales Surge in Vietnam

The recent recognition of Bao Ninh's novel, "The Sorrow of War," as one of Vietnam's 50 greatest works of literature has ignited a significant controversy, leading to a surge in sales across Hanoi. The novel, first published in 1987, presents an unflinching portrayal of the Vietnam War, which some conservative figures argue undermines the heroism of Vietnamese soldiers. This backlash has paradoxically increased the book's visibility and demand, resulting in widespread sellouts at local bookstores.

The Straits TimesDoes war literature need to glorify soldiers? Vietnam debates a novel that went from ‘The Destiny of Love’ to ‘The Sorrow of War’

"The Sorrow of War," originally titled "The Destiny of Love," narrates the experiences of a young North Vietnamese soldier haunted by memories of war and personal trauma. The book has historically been contentious within Vietnam, where literature often emphasizes valor and sacrifice rather than the suffering and cruelty depicted by Ninh. Its recent inclusion in a prestigious list by the government has reignited debates about the portrayal of war in Vietnamese literature.

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The controversy surrounding the novel has led to a dramatic increase in sales, with bookstores in Hanoi reporting that they are struggling to maintain stock. Nguyen, a bookseller on Nguyen Xi book street, noted that while the book has always sold steadily, it has never sold out as rapidly as it did following the recent discussions. Many young readers, like 12th-grade student Ngoc Tran, have expressed interest in the book, stating that it reveals deeper truths about human nature rather than tarnishing the image of past soldiers.

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Responses to the controversy have been mixed. Some critics, including war veterans, have called for the government to revoke its recognition of the book, arguing that it diminishes the sacrifices made during the war. Conversely, literary critics like Ha Thanh Van defend the novel's artistic merit, asserting that literature should not be confined to glorifying military achievements. "If we demand that a novel function like a battle report, we are forcing literature to perform the work of another profession," she stated.

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In light of the soaring demand, Tre Publishing House has announced plans for a reprint of "The Sorrow of War," with 15,000 copies already in production for 2025. Since entering into a publishing agreement with Ninh in 2011, the house has printed approximately 80,000 copies of the novel. The ongoing discussions about the book's themes and its impact on Vietnamese society suggest that the controversy will continue to fuel interest in Ninh's work.

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• “This book has been debated for ages,” — Nguyen, Bookseller

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• “I was very surprised the book was sold out that quickly. I couldn’t believe its sales went crazy,” — Le Hien, Reader

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• “It just reveals more truth about human nature,” — Ngoc Tran, Student

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• “If we demand that a novel function like a battle report, we are forcing literature to perform the work of another profession,” — Ha Thanh Van, Literary Critic

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