Read Your Way Through Hà NộI
8 days ago
- #Hà Nội
- #travel reading
- #Vietnamese literature
- Hà Nội, originally named Thăng Long (Rising Dragon), is steeped in legends and is the heart of Vietnamese literature.
- The city has endured destruction through wars but remains vibrant and constantly renewing itself.
- Recommended reading includes 'The Food of Việt Nam' by Luke Nguyễn for culinary insights and 'Spring Essence: The Poetry of Hồ Xuân Hương' for poetry lovers.
- For historical context, 'Understanding Việt Nam' by Neil L. Jamieson and 'Hà Nội: Biography of a City' by William Stewart Logan are suggested.
- Bảo Ninh's 'The Sorrow of War' and Đặng Thùy Trâm's diary 'Last Night I Dreamed of Peace' offer perspectives on war's impact.
- Lê Minh Khuê's 'The Stars, The Earth, The River' depicts working-class life in Hà Nội.
- Audiobook recommendations include 'Lanterns Hanging on the Wind' for poetry and 'Bronze Drum' by Phong Nguyễn for historical fiction.
- Literary landmarks include 19/12 Street, the Temple of Literature, and the Việt Nam Museum of Literature.
- Bookstores like Tràng Tiền Bookstore and indie shops on Đinh Lễ Street offer local and sometimes banned books.
- For broader Vietnamese culture, 'Beneath Saigon’s Chò Nâu' by Paul Christiansen and 'The Defiant Muse' anthology are recommended.