HCMCity (VNS/VNA) —ꦉ Femalepoet Lu Mai’s latest book, Ngang QuaBinh Minh (Reaching to the Dawn), has been released bythe Literature Publishing House.

The 100-page bookincludes eight chapters featuring stories about soldiersand their work, hopes and dreams. Themes about love and peace are included. Highlighted chaptersfeature Vietnamese Navy soldiers on Truong Sa (Spratly)Islands.   The author’s simple andlively language expresses her feelings about the soldiers who havecompleted their mission on the islands and yearn for home.   “Mai’s book highlightsstories of soldiers working and thinking, and having to overcomegreat difficulties to fulfill their duties. Through her language, readers,particularly youngsters, can learn valuable lessons from the island andsoldiers,” said Nguyen Ba Quy, a reader from HCM City.  “Each word from poets inthe epic Ngang Qua Binh Minh isin praise of patriotism and bravery. For people who have notexperienced the salty taste of Trường Sa, Mai’s book leaves avery strong impression," he said. Author Maireleased Mat Trung Khoi (TheEyes of the Sea), a book featuring stories and photos about Truong Sasoldiers, in Hanoi last year.  The poet's collectionwas published after the success of the first volume NoiDau Song (The Wavefront) by the same authors – Mai and photographerTran Thanh – who have visited the Spratly Islands several times.  The 150-pagework features 18 stories and dozens of photos centred on the people whoselives are attached to the islands. Those people are not onlyNavy soldiers but also their family members.   The book’sprinter, Literature Publishing House, in collaboration with Maiand photographer Thanh, has launched a project titled"Homeland’s Sea and Islands Bookshelf". Under theproject, hundreds of copies of MatTrung Khoi and Noi Dau Song havebeen given to Navy soldiers and people living on the islands. According to Mai,some of the books’ proceeds will be donated to charity eventsdedicated to Navy soldiers and their families.  “Mai’s latestpublication, Ngang Qua Binh Minh,is quality in both its style and content. Her work links peopleinland with those living on islands, instilling national pride and encouragingsoldiers who guard the country’s sovereignty,” said veteranpoet Nguyen Quang Thieu, chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association./.