In 1968, Spanish poet Angelina Gatell painstakingly compiled the poetry collection “With Vietnam” to raise her voice against the war, but unfortunately, the work did not pass the censorship at that time, and had to wait until today.
On April 23, Kim Dong Publishing House and the Embassy of Spain in Vietnam officially introduced the poetry collection "With Vietnam" to readers, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).
According to the publisher, the work is a living symbol of friendship and solidarity between Vietnam and Spain, a voice of conscience, a call for peace, a cry of sympathy and love towards Vietnam. The poems not only evoke deep thoughts and emotions about a turbulent historical period but also arouse faith and affirm the value of independence and peace.
Spanish Ambassador to Vietnam Carmen Cano de Lasala affirmed that the work is not only a link connecting the two nations, but also a poetic space to help the Vietnamese public learn and explore Spanish literature through great contemporary names.
Accordingly, the work was drafted and compiled by poet Angelina Gatell in the 1960s, including more than 40 poems written about the Vietnam War by Spanish intellectuals. They are of many ages, come from many regions, have different political tendencies and writing styles. Most of the poems have never been published, all of which are united in opposing the war and supporting the Vietnamese people's struggle for independence and peace.
The compilation was completed in 1968 thanks to the efforts of Angelina Gatell and the enthusiastic reception of the Spanish intellectuals and artists at that time. However, the collection of poems was not published. Thanks to Professor of Literature Julio Neira Jiménez, the manuscript was found in the archives of the censorship agency in Alcalá de Henares and was released to readers by Visor Libros Publishing House in 2016.
“So, nearly 60 years since its publication, the book has reached Vietnamese readers, opening before their eyes the strong feelings that Spanish poets had for Vietnam during those difficult days,” the Ambassador shared.
Since it is impossible to find the original paintings and engravings made by artist Julio Álvarez for the manuscript, the editorial team has included new illustrations by Vietnamese and Spanish artists in this publication. This is an activity of cultural and artistic exchange between the current generations of artists of the two countries, thereby breathing into the book the breath of the times.
“Today, in many parts of the world, people do not enjoy peace. This collection of poems allows us to look back to the past to honor those who continue to fight for peace and justice today. The works praise the courage and sacrifice of past generations, reminding all of us that Freedom is a priceless thing that we need to join hands to preserve,” the Ambassador emphasized./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ra-mat-tap-tho-ve-de-tai-phan-chien-tung-bi-cam-xuat-ban-tai-tay-ban-nha-post1034527.vnp
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