Vietnam-Sweden cultural exchange, honoring the power of literature

On the evening of October 9, before the announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Literature Conference was organized by the Embassy of Sweden at the Goethe Institute in Hanoi , attracting the participation of many authors, writers, journalists and readers who love literature.

This is a special event organized by the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden (1969-2024), creating opportunities for Swedish authors to interact with Vietnamese readers and authors.

Online exchange with writer, translator Mats Malm and author Anna-Karin Palm in Sweden. (Photo: Bach Duong)

The workshop connected online with writer and translator Mats Malm - Professor of Literary Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, Secretary General of the Swedish Academy and author Anna-Karin Palm - member of the Swedish Academy.

Sharing here, Mr. Mats Malm expressed his excitement before the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature award day, and said that the award review process is a thorough and rigorous evaluation process to select the 5 most deserving names.

He particularly emphasized the role of translation in ensuring fairness and accuracy when evaluating international authors, because it determines the correct transmission of the spirit and value of the work.

With a deep insight into the history of Swedish literature, Ms. Anna-Karin Palm emphasized that Swedish literature not only helps to eliminate illiteracy, but also plays an important role in promoting social development, contributing to the development of democracy and being a voice for disadvantaged groups in society.

Award-winning author Anna-Karin Palm is known for her works on culture for both adults and children, such as The Faun (1991) and The Painter's Daughter (1997).

During the exchange with the Vietnamese public, Ms. Anna-Karin Palm also shared more about the changes in Swedish literature over time, reflecting changes in ideology and society.

She also commented that there is a great exchange of ideas and styles between generations in literature today, making literary trends difficult to predict. However, she affirmed that “the Academy will always encourage the diverse development of literature”.

Writer Karin Smirnoff shares directly at the Swedish Literature conference. (Photo: An Le)

Not only meeting online, the conference was even more interesting with the direct participation of writer Karin Smirnoff - the famous author whose debut novel My Brother was nominated for the August Award in 2018, recognized as a new voice in the best-selling Millennium book series.

Sharing about her literary journey, creative process and character building, Karin Smirnoff said that writing for her is a way to free her soul and find answers to inner questions.

She used to be the owner of a furniture company. The harshness of the working environment, which was mainly male, urged her to express her thoughts and feelings through writing.

According to author Karin Smirnoff, writing is not only a reflection of life, but also helps her discover the hidden truth within herself.

For her, characters are not fictional figures, but a combination of many personalities of the people she meets. In particular, characters in Smirnoff's novels often have strong, independent personalities, ready to face challenges in life and especially violence.

She said: "It's always easier to do bad things than good things, but I believe there are psychological hidden corners behind every action and I always look for those hidden corners in my work...

Literature is a bridge that connects our stories and experiences. I am excited to share my story and learn from the vibrant literary community in Vietnam.”

Online chat with journalist and writer Patrik Svensson. (Photo: Bach Duong)

The conference also included a talk with writer and journalist Patrik Svensson, author of The Gospel of the Eel , a work combining non-fiction and autobiography that has been translated into 33 different languages ​​and won the August Prize in 2019.

Patrik Svensson takes the audience through a childhood memory, when he and his father went fishing for eels in a small stream near their home, and his father told him about the science and history of this fish. Those experiences inspired the writer to write the work - a metaphor for his life.

“Stories are the lifeblood of our existence,” says Patrik Svensson. “I’m looking forward to discussing how the cultural history of eels connects to the human experience and binds us together.”

His work has always had a cross-section of history and science. “As a journalist, I always prioritize scientific knowledge and facts, but as a writer, the mysteries and philosophical aspects of life have always attracted me,” he said.

After interesting conversations and exchanges from the authors, the conference ended with a small Swedish party, including traditional salads and fresh fruit drinks, creating a complete experience, connecting everyone in a cozy space.

Work displayed at the poster exhibition “Between the lines”. (Photo: Bach Duong)

In particular, within the framework of the event, the poster exhibition titled Between the Lines organized by the Swedish Institute introduces the heartfelt sharing of famous Swedish authors and literary experts.

The exhibition offers unique perspectives on literature, its role in life and cultural development. This is also an opportunity for the Vietnamese public to explore Swedish literature and understand its value through profound perspectives from the exhibited works.

Speaking about the event, Marie-Louise Thaning, Counsellor at the Swedish Embassy, ​​said: “This programme embodies the spirit of cultural exchange, allowing us to celebrate the power of literature to connect people across borders. We hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for the literary arts in our communities.”

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/giao-luu-van-hoa-viet-nam-thuy-dien-ton-vinh-suc-manh-cua-van-chuong-289510.html