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Historical Fiction· Vietnam

The Sorrow of War

by Bảo Ninh
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1990Vietnamese
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About This Book

Published in 1990, The Sorrow of War established Bảo Ninh as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. The Sorrow of War is a poignant novel that provides a raw and unflinching look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of a North Vietnamese soldier. Bảo Ninh's narrative captures the emotional and psychological scars left by the conflict, offering a deeply personal and humanizing account of war's aftermath. The book is celebrated for its lyrical prose and its ability to convey the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of devastation. Themes of war and its aftermath, love and loss, memory run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorBảo Ninh
Published1990
Country of Origin🇻🇳 Vietnam
LanguageVietnamese
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9781573225434
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇻🇳 Vietnam

This book is part of Vietnam's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Vietnam →

Editorial Assessment

Bảo Ninh published The Sorrow of War in 1990, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of historical fiction from Vietnam. The book's treatment of war and its aftermath, love and loss, memory, survival accounts for much of its enduring reputation. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Sorrow of War among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. Readers coming to The Sorrow of War for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of war and its aftermath, love and loss, memory, survival is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within Vietnam's literary landscape, Bảo Ninh occupies a significant position. The Sorrow of War is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Guardian 100 Best Novels
list · global
20030
✍️
About the Author
Bảo Ninh
Vietnam
View Author →

Bảo Ninh is a Vietnam author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Sorrow of War about?

The Sorrow of War is a poignant novel that provides a raw and unflinching look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of a North Vietnamese soldier. Bảo Ninh's narrative captures the emotional and psychological scars left by the conflict, offering a deeply personal and humanizing account of war's aftermath. The book is celebrated for its lyrical prose and its ability to convey the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of devastation.

Who wrote The Sorrow of War?

The Sorrow of War was written by Bảo Ninh, from Vietnam. First published in 1990.

What awards has The Sorrow of War won?

The Sorrow of War has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Sorrow of War worth reading?

The Sorrow of War is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in war and its aftermath, love and loss, memory.

Where can I buy The Sorrow of War?

You can buy The Sorrow of War on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Sorrow of War?

The Sorrow of War is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Sorrow of War from?

The Sorrow of War originates from Vietnam's literary tradition. Explore more books from Vietnam on our country page.

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