Bảo Ninh

Bảo Ninh (born Hoàng Ấu Phương in 1952) is a Vietnamese author and war veteran, best known for his novel The Sorrow of War (original Vietnamese title: Nỗi buồn chiến tranh). This semi-autobiographical novel, published in Vietnam in 1991 after facing censorship issues, recounts the experiences of Kien, a soldier in the People's Army of Vietnam during and after the Vietnam War.

The Sorrow of War provides a bleak and unflinching portrayal of the war's psychological and physical toll on soldiers and civilians alike, focusing on themes of trauma, loss, and the disillusionment with revolutionary ideals. Unlike many officially sanctioned war narratives, Bảo Ninh's work does not glorify the war or present a simplistic victory narrative. Instead, it offers a deeply personal and often disturbing exploration of the war's lasting impact.

The novel gained international recognition after its English translation was published in 1994. It has since been translated into numerous languages and is considered a significant work of Vietnamese literature, offering a vital perspective on the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese side. Beyond The Sorrow of War, Bảo Ninh has also written other short stories and essays, although The Sorrow of War remains his most famous and critically acclaimed work. His writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose, vivid imagery, and unflinching honesty.