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When The Sorrow of War was honoured by Vietnam's government as one of the 50 greatest works of literature and art since reunification, some conservative figures reacted with fury – suggesting the novel's unvarnished depictions of the war diminished the victors' heroism.However, the controversy that exploded across social media has only sparked renewed interest in Bao Ninh's haunting classic and forced bookstores to scramble to keep pace with surging demand."I only knew about this novel because of these online discussions," said Le Hien, 25, who tried to buy the book at several bookstores in the capital Hanoi this week but found they were all out of stock. "I was very surprised the book was sold out that quickly. I couldn't believe its sales went crazy."First published in 1987 as The Destiny of Love, the novel is narrated by a young North Vietnamese soldier who, like Ninh himself, served in a battalion that was almost entirely wiped out.He is stalked by memories of the "jungle of screaming souls" and tortured by thoughts of his girlfriend's sexual assault at the hands of fellow North Vietnamese men.The book was met with instant acclaim abroad and controversy at home, where most war literature emphasised valour and sacrifice over cruelty and suffering.The novel's inclusion in the 50-best list in late November touched off another round of recrimination even as it flew off shelves."This book has been debated for ages," said Nguyen, a bookseller on Hanoi's Nguyen Xi book street, who gave only his first name for fear of inviting backlash against his store. "It has always sold steadily. It has never sold out like it did this time, though."Nguyen Thanh Tuan, a former head of the military's propaganda department, wrote on Facebook earlier this month that the novel "aimed to diminish the heroism of our army... fabricating and distorting the truth of the heroic struggle and immense sacrifices of millions of people".Tuan's post calling for the honour to be revoked received thousands of likes and ricocheted across social media, garnering support especially from war veterans.However, many others defended the decision to honour the book."If we demand that a novel function like a battle report, we are forcing literature to perform the work of another profession," said literary critic Ha Thanh Van.The Sorrow of War continues to move readers nearly 40 years after its publication because it "delves into the dark corners of memory, where war continues to exist as haunting memories, traumas, lingering regrets", she said.Ngoc Tran, a 12th grade student in Hanoi, said she didn't think the work "tarnishes the image of Vietnamese soldiers from the past"."It just reveals more truth about human nature," she told AFP.However, while the debate has opened up old societal rifts, it has also propelled the book to new heights of visibility, especially among young readers like Tran, born after its initial publication."After the controversy about the award went viral online, more people became interested and started looking to buy (the book)," said bookseller Nguyen.Another bookseller on the same street who declined to give his name said that sales had been slow before the furore "but suddenly we're sold out".AFP journalists found five copies of the book at Ngan Nga bookstore in the capital, but many other vendors had been cleared out.Nguyen Hai Dang, an editor at Tre Publishing House which has a lifetime agreement with Ninh, was quoted in state media as saying the controversy had prompted a flurry of orders, causing the central warehouse to fall behind.Dang said a planned reprinting was already underway, however, and that the publisher had run off 15,000 copies so far this year.It has printed about 80,000 copies since its agreement began in 2011.The novel is also an international bestseller and has been translated into more than 15 languages. 

Qatar Reads, an initiative under Qatar National Library (QNL), has partnered with Qatar Museums to launch "Cultural Crossroads: Qatar, Argentina, and Chile 2025," a new collaboration under the Years of Culture program.The cultural exchange program aims to foster mutual understanding between nations through a focus on shared heritage, literature, art, creative industries, and innovation.Through Qatar Reads Family Reading Program, the collaboration invites children and families across Qatar to explore the vibrant cultures of both Argentina and Chile, highlighting their distinct histories, artistic traditions, and storytelling heritage, from Argentina's literary legacy and tango influences to Chile's celebrated poetry and folklore.Among the materials developed for this collaboration are new cultural stories and reading resources inspired by the traditions, art, and landscapes of Argentina and Chile, encouraging young readers to discover connections between Qatar and these countries through storytelling.The Ambassador of Argentina to Qatar, Guillermo Nicolás noted that the collaboration reflects a shared belief in the power of culture and literature to unite people. He said the initiative introduces Argentinian and Chilean stories and art to children in Qatar, helping to build "a future where understanding and mutual respect thrive.""Stories are bridges between cultures. Through initiatives like this, we introduce children to the beauty of Argentina's and Chile's heritage while also deepening their understanding of Qatar's role in celebrating global diversity. The Years of Culture program is proud to support projects that inspire empathy, friendship, and curiosity from an early age," said Years of Culture Advisor on Latin America Mohammed Al Kuwari.Adding to this, Qatar Reads Manager Fatema Al Malki emphasized that the initiative continues Qatar Reads' efforts to make reading an adventure for every family. "Partnering with the embassies of Argentina and Chile, along with Years of Culture, allows us to open new cultural horizons for families in Qatar," she said. "These stories remind us how books can bring the world closer to every child's home."To conclude the month-long celebration, Qatar Reads, in collaboration with the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ) and Years of Culture, will host a closing cultural event on Nov.1, 2025. The event will welcome 100 children for hands-on activities inspired by Argentinian and Chilean heritage, celebrating the creativity, storytelling, and traditions of both nations.The Cultural Crossroads theme highlights the power of storytelling in connecting communities across continents. Through ongoing partnerships with embassies, museums, and cultural institutions, Qatar Reads continues to champion creativity, literacy, and intercultural dialogue.

The Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Telugu Literature Club, in association with the Telugu community, celebrated Telugu Language Day.The event highlighted the rich literary heritage and cultural significance of the Telugu language, one of India’s classical languages known for its poetic depth and elegance.All four leading organisations— Telugu Kala Samiti, Telangana Praja Samiti, Telangana Jagruthi, and Andhra Kala Vedika—actively participated, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Telugu community in Qatar.The event commenced with a welcome by ICC's head of HR, Admin & Consular, Rakesh Wagh. The presidential address was delivered by ICC general secretary Abraham K Joseph.Ravindra Prasad (head of Affiliation) and Venkappa Bhagavatula (head of In-house Activities), delivered felicitation speeches emphasising the importance and enduring legacy of Telugu Language Day.The cultural programme featured performances, including Telugu songs, proverb-based stories, an EK Patrabhinayam (solo drama), a Telugu language quiz, and tongue twister competitions, all reflecting the language’s artistic and intellectual legacy.Prominent Telugu community leaders Harish Reddy, Sathyanarayana, and Ashok as well as ICC managing committee members were present. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Vikram.