Đặng Thân, Vietnamese writer and poet

A Visionary Voice: Unveiling Đặng Thân, the Post-Doi Moi Literary Genius

In the vibrant and sometimes turbulent landscape of Vietnamese literature, one name stands out as a true innovator and a figure of profound influence: Đặng Thân. Based in Vietnam, this prolific bilingual poet, fiction writer, essayist, and critic has not only carved out a unique space for himself but is widely regarded as "the typical figure of Post-Doi Moi Literature." His brilliance has earned him accolades as "the best humourist ever" and even an "awesomely brilliant genius" by those who follow his work.

A Literary Revolutionary: Shaping Vietnamese Discourse

Đặng Thân's impact on Vietnamese letters cannot be overstated. His officially-published works, particularly his novels, are credited with creating an utterly pivotal turning-point in the very writing style of Vietnamese literature. He is not merely an author but a representative of a completely new way of discourse, pioneering alternative lexical resources that favor connotation over the more common, older usage of denotation. This bold approach signifies a departure from established norms and a fresh perspective on language itself.

Beyond his innovative prose, Đặng Thân is also celebrated for his poetic advancements. He is recognized as the pioneer of Vietnamese alliteration poetry, bringing a new sonic dimension to the country's verse. Furthermore, he introduced a distinctive new style named "phac-nhien," further solidifying his reputation as a groundbreaking artist unafraid to challenge and redefine literary boundaries. The New York-based Poets & Writers, in their feature article "Demilitarized Zone: Report From Literary Vietnam," aptly noted, "In the literary circles he runs in, Dang is praised for his idiosyncratic prose and rebellious style." This observation perfectly encapsulates the essence of his unique contribution.

Against the Current: The Ordeal of Censorship

Despite his undeniable talent and widespread recognition within literary circles, Đặng Thân has faced significant challenges from governmental authorities in Vietnam. It has been repeatedly asserted that leading governmental departments in Vietnam have instructed the "state-controlled" literary circle to label his works as "harmful." This instruction has led to severe repercussions for his publishing career.

From 2008 up to 2011, and again from 2014 up to the present day, all publishing houses in Vietnam have been explicitly prohibited from printing any of his books, often without any righteous reasons provided. Furthermore, official state-run newspapers have been ordered to systematically ignore him, effectively attempting to leave his significant contributions in the dark. This demonstrates the profound struggle artists can face when their creative expression clashes with official narratives, even for a figure as widely acclaimed as Đặng Thân.

Global Acclaim: International Recognition and Impact

While facing censorship at home, Đặng Thân's powerful and innovative poetry has resonated globally. His works have been translated into a remarkable array of foreign languages, reaching diverse audiences across continents. These translations include Chinese, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, Spanish, Bengali, Serbian, Catalan, and Greek, showcasing the universal appeal and artistic merit of his verse.

His international standing is further cemented by a string of prestigious awards garnered by his poetry, recognizing his literary excellence on a global scale. These include the 2020 Naji Naaman Literary Prize, the Premio Il Meleto di Guido Gozzano 2020, the Panorama Global Award, the Cape Comorin Best Poetry Award, and the Premio I Colori del’Anima 2021. Demonstrating his groundbreaking impact even further, Đặng Thân also made history as the first Vietnamese author to have his poems exhibited and housed at the World Museum of Poetry in Piacenza, Italy. This honor not only celebrates his individual artistry but also elevates Vietnamese literature onto a prominent international stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Đặng Thân

Who is Đặng Thân?
Đặng Thân is a prominent Vietnamese poet, fiction writer, essayist, and critic, celebrated for his innovative contributions to Vietnamese literature and his unique, often rebellious style. He is recognized as a key figure of Post-Doi Moi Literature.
What makes his writing style unique?
He is known for pioneering a new discourse in Vietnamese literature, favoring connotation over denotation, and for his "idiosyncratic prose and rebellious style." He also introduced Vietnamese alliteration poetry and a new style called "phac-nhien."
Why has Đặng Thân faced publishing challenges in Vietnam?
His works have been labeled "harmful" by leading governmental departments, resulting in publishing bans from 2008-2011 and from 2014 to the present. State-run newspapers have also been ordered to ignore his work.
What international awards has Đặng Thân received?
His poetry has garnered several prestigious international prizes, including the 2020 Naji Naaman Literary Prize, Premio Il Meleto di Guido Gozzano 2020, Panorama Global Award, Cape Comorin Best Poetry Award, and Premio I Colori del’Anima 2021.
Has his work received international recognition beyond awards?
Yes, his poetry has been translated into numerous foreign languages, and he holds the distinction of being the first Vietnamese author whose poems are exhibited and housed at the World Museum of Poetry in Piacenza, Italy.