Vietnam Writers' Association showcases best works hinh anh 1Ky Nhan Lang Ngoc, a book comprising 14 short stories by Tran Thanh Canh receives an award of the Vietnam Writers' Association (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Stories about individuals living in a village in the northern rural area during the doimoi (renewal) period since 1986 by writer Tran Thanh Canh has received an award from the Vietnam Writers' Association.

Entitled Ky Nhan Lang Ngoc (People in Ngoc Village), the book comprises 14 short stories reflecting the life of people in Canh's hometown in the northern province of BacNinh.

The book was granted the award for Short Stories of 2015 during a ceremony on February 2.

Canh graduated from the Hanoi Medical University and worked as a pharmacist before realising his passion for writing when he was 40.

Other awards went to Thong Reo Ngan Hong (Pine Leaves Rustle), a historical novel telling the story of Nguyen Cong Tru (1778-1858) who earned respect as a devoted Confucian scholar and elder statesman.

Verse awards went to Vuon Khuya (Garden at Night) by Tran Hung and Long Mach (Good Layer of Earth) by Hoang Tran Cuong.

The translation of Nguyen Minh Chau from The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell, received the award for the Translated Work category.

It is story about a murder but also reflects society in China. The book helps Vietnamese readers understand more about Chinese people and their country in the past, present and future, Nguyen QuangThieu, Vice Chairman of the writers' association, remarked.

"The awards help readers recognise this year's excellent works," said Thieu.

"This assessment also reflects people's tastes and the development of national literature in the near future."

"The authors have focused on the war, modern society, history and the country's integration process."

The jury panel considered 176 works before announcing the winners.-VNA
VNA