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Vietnam's 'Sorrow of War' sells out after viral controversy
The novel’s government recognition sparked debate and a surge in demand, with 15,000 copies reprinted this year amid calls to revoke the honour, booksellers said.
- This month, Bao Ninh, author of The Sorrow of War, saw demand surge after Vietnam's government named the novel on a 50-best list, sparking recrimination and unprecedented sellouts in Hanoi.
- Nguyen Thanh Tuan, former head of the military's propaganda department, wrote on Facebook earlier this month accusing the novel of diminishing the army's heroism and gained thousands of likes and war veterans' support.
- Tre Publishing House, according to Nguyen Hai Dang, said it had run off 15,000 copies this year as the central warehouse fell behind amid a flurry of orders.
- Many readers, including students and critics, defended the honour, with Nguyen, a bookseller, saying it `has been debated for ages` and noting the controversy increased demand.
- The novel's enduring power and prior acclaim help explain renewed interest as it continues to move readers nearly 40 years after its 1987 publication, with translations into more than 15 languages and about 80,000 copies printed since 2011.
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The Killeen Daily Herald+29 Reposted by 29 other sources
Vietnam's 'Sorrow of War' sells out after viral controversy
When "The Sorrow of War" was honoured by Vietnam's government as one of the 50 greatest works of literature and art since reunification, some conservative figures reacted with fury -- suggesting the novel's unvarnished depictions of the war diminished the…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources30
Leaning Left3Leaning Right3Center10Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 19%
C 62%
R 19%
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