Anna Moï, a prominent Vietnamese-French author, has garnered significant acclaim for her literary contributions, particularly her novel Nọc bướm, which won the Littérature-monde Prize in 2017. Born Trần Thiên Nga in 1955 in Sài Gòn, she has established a unique voice within the literary world, often exploring themes of identity, war, and resilience through her works.
Moï's literary journey has been marked by several prestigious awards, including the La-Renaissance-française prize for her novel Douze palais de mémoire in 2021 and the Grand Prix Hervé-Deluen from the French Academy in 2022. Additionally, she was honored with the title of "Hiệp sĩ về văn chương và nghệ thuật" (Knight of Arts and Letters) by the French government, recognizing her contributions to literature and culture.
Her latest novel, which she completed during the Covid-19 pandemic, tells the poignant love story of a couple who were separated during the war and reunited at the age of 90. Moï spent two weeks in Hanoi interviewing relatives of the couple and researching the period of "bao cấp" (subsidy economy) in Vietnam, which serves as the backdrop for her narrative.
At the recent discussion titled "Resonant Echoes - Voices of Vietnamese-Origin Female Writers" held on May 8, 2025, in Hanoi, Moï, along with fellow authors Khuê Phạm and Cecile Pin, shared insights into their writing processes and the challenges of establishing their unique identities within the literary landscape. The event was part of the European Literature Days 2025, which celebrates the contributions of European literature and coincides with significant diplomatic anniversaries.
During the discussion, Moï reflected on her experiences growing up in a family that migrated from the North in 1954. She shared how her childhood, marked by movement across various regions, has influenced her writing. "I have published eight short story collections and three novels since 2001, and each work reflects my journey and the complexities of my identity," she stated.
Moï’s novel Nọc bướm has resonated with readers for its exploration of a young girl's coming-of-age amidst the backdrop of post-colonial Vietnam and the escalating American war. The narrative centers on Xuân, a Southern girl navigating her teenage years during a tumultuous period. Moï describes her writing style as one that captures tragedy with a touch of humor, stating, "I always write with a sense of irony—humor is a part of my character, and I think that makes my work engaging."
Interestingly, Moï writes in French, despite her Vietnamese roots. She explained, "Writing is inherently challenging, so I choose what feels easier. Since I live in France, French is the language I am most comfortable using. Reading my work translated into Vietnamese has been an enlightening experience, and I admire the translator's effort to capture my voice."
As the event unfolded, Khuê Phạm, a 43-year-old writer and journalist of Vietnamese descent living in Germany, shared her own experiences. She spoke candidly about the pressure of being the eldest child and how that shaped her writing. "Growing up, I felt the need to set a good example for my siblings, which often colored my narratives. I strive to ensure that female voices are heard in a literary world that has historically been dominated by men," she explained.
Phạm's debut novel, Brothers and Ghosts, has been well-received, and she has co-authored a non-fiction book titled We New Germans, which addresses the experiences of second-generation immigrants in Germany. She emphasized the importance of sharing stories that reflect diverse perspectives, particularly those of women in her cultural context.
Cecile Pin, the youngest of the trio, also contributed to the discussion by exploring the complexities of female identity in her writing. Her debut novel, Wandering Souls, features a female protagonist burdened with familial responsibilities, highlighting the societal expectations placed on women. Pin expressed her desire to amplify the voices of those in similar situations, saying, "Literature is a powerful tool for sharing our stories and experiences. I want to create space for voices that often go unheard."
The European Literature Days event, running from May 8 to 12, 2025, marks a celebration of literary diversity and cultural exchange. This year's theme, centered on the journeys and voices of migrant literature, aims to foster dialogue about identity, memory, and creativity in a multicultural context. Oliver Brandt, director of the Goethe Institute in Hanoi, remarked, "The discussions we are having during this event are vital for understanding the complexities of identity in a globalized world. The contributions of Vietnamese-origin authors are increasingly recognized both domestically and abroad."
In addition to the panel discussions, the event includes workshops on various writing genres, providing opportunities for aspiring writers to enhance their skills and connect with established authors. The commitment to nurturing literary talent within the Vietnamese community reflects a growing recognition of the importance of diverse narratives in enriching the literary landscape.
As Anna Moï continues to write and share her stories, her work serves as a bridge between cultures, illustrating the power of literature to transcend boundaries and foster understanding. Her journey from a young girl in Sài Gòn to an acclaimed author in France encapsulates the resilience and creativity of those who navigate the complexities of identity and belonging.
