Poetry collection "Together with Vietnam" - a living symbol of the friendship between Vietnam and Spain

With the support of the Spanish Ministry of Culture and the Spanish Embassy in Vietnam, the poetry collection "With Vietnam" was published by Kim Dong Publishing House to Vietnamese readers on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

"With Vietnam" includes more than 40 poems composed in the 1960s, the period when the resistance war against the US was at its fiercest, and also when the anti-war movement spread globally. The collection of poems was compiled by female poet Angelina Gatell, with the participation of many famous poets, such as: Rafael Alberti, Gabriel Celaya, Gloria Fuertes, José Agustín Goytisolo, Celso Emilio Ferreiro...

Poetry collection "With Vietnam" selected by Angeline Gatell, translated by Nguyen Thi Kim Dung.

The collection of poems was compiled in 1968 and was censored and banned from publication by the Franco dictatorship due to its anti-war content. In 2016, the manuscript of the collection was found in the censorship agency's archives and officially published.

Today, when Vietnam is at peace, "With Vietnam" returns as a living testimony in poetic language. The collection of poems is a profound and sincere support for Vietnam from the other side of the world - expressing international solidarity and the desire for peace.

The work is both a historical landmark and a timeless humanitarian echo, reflecting the sentimental view of Spanish intellectuals towards Vietnam. These verses express the love for a nation and the voice of conscience and conscience before the pain of war. "With Vietnam" is also a cultural bridge between Vietnam and Spain, helping Vietnamese readers today understand more about the country and people of Spain.

Many guests and readers attended the exchange and book launch.

The appearance of the poetry collection contributes to arousing faith in the value of peace, freedom, and national independence in the context of the modern world still full of instability. The poetry collection was translated by Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, lecturer of the Spanish Department, Hanoi University, with emotion and understanding.

Since it is impossible to find the original paintings and engravings by artist Julio Álvarez, in this Vietnamese edition, "With Vietnam" has been newly illustrated by 6 Spanish and 6 Vietnamese artists. This event creates an artistic dialogue across time and space, expressing the profound resonance between poetry and painting in conveying the message of peace, anti-war and human solidarity.

Linguist Do Anh Vu in the poetry-music exchange section.

In the Foreword of the poetry collection, Mr. Carmen Cano De Lasala, Ambassador of Spain to Vietnam, shared: The poetry collection Together with Vietnam was drafted and compiled by poet Angelina Gatell in the 1960s, including poems written about the Vietnam War by Spanish intellectuals. They were of many ages, came from many regions, had different political tendencies and writing styles. Most of the poems had never been published, all of them were united in opposing the war and supporting the Vietnamese people in their struggle for independence and peace.

At a time when peace is not yet available in many parts of the world, 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 celebrate the courage and sacrifice of past generations, reminding us all that freedom is a priceless thing that we must join hands to preserve. - Mr. Carmen Cano De Lasala, Ambassador of Spain to Vietnam.

The compilation was completed in 1968 thanks to the efforts of Angelina Gatell and the enthusiastic reception of the Spanish intellectual and artistic community at that time. However, the anthology of poems was not published until much later.

Thanks to Julio Neira Jiménez, professor of Spanish Literature and Literary Theory at JNED University, the manuscript was rediscovered in the censorship archives of Alcalá He Henares and was released to readers by Visor Libros Publishing House in 2016.

The Vietnamese publication "With Vietnam" is also a tribute to the respected professor, writer, poet, and essayist Julio Neira Jiménez, who passed away in 2022.

A digital painting is exhibited at the book launch space.

"So, nearly 60 years since its publication, the book has reached Vietnamese readers, opening up before their eyes the strong feelings that Spanish poets had for Vietnam during those difficult days. The book is not only a link connecting the two nations, but also a poetic space that helps the Vietnamese public learn and explore Spanish literature through great contemporary names... At a time when in many places in the world, people have not enjoyed peace, this collection of poems allows us to look back at the past to honor those who today continue to fight for peace and justice. The works praise the courage and sacrifice of past generations, reminding us all that freedom is priceless and we need to join hands to preserve it," emphasized Mr. Carmen Cano De Lasala, Ambassador of Spain to Vietnam.

At the program, the audience learned about the work, listened to the sharing of the translator and guests, participated in poetry readings, and visited the unique poetry-painting art exhibition coming from the book. The exchanges with the guests, translator, Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung; Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Xuan Thach; painter Vu Xuan Hoan, with the connection of the host, Doctor of Language, poet Do Anh Vu, brought many interesting things to the readers.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/tap-tho-cung-viet-nam-bieu-tuong-song-dong-cho-tinh-huu-nghi-viet-nam-va-tay-ban-nha-post874562.html