"Catching Sadness" takes readers into the innocent world of a seven-year-old boy named Ken, who is about to become a big brother. There, the author has wrapped up and delivered simple but profound lessons naturally through the whispers of the characters. For example, becoming a man does not require waiting until adulthood but right from doing small, practical daily tasks such as helping your mother with housework, looking after your younger siblings and picking vegetables. The author also cleverly suggests the philosophy of not "judging a book by its cover" but "having to be close to someone to know how lovely they are" which reminds me of Nam Cao in "Old Man Hac" - "For the people around us, if we do not try to understand them, we will only see them as foolish, stupid, mean, evil, vile... all reasons for us to be cruel; we will never see them as pitiful people; we will never love them...". Still this message, Nhu Hien conveys it more gently and closely through the character of Mr. Tu, who is a scary "witch" in the eyes of Ken and Nam.
With creativity, the author has made Mr. Ba Bi's image closer to erase Ken's fear when he was threatened by Mr. Tu. The answer is imaginative but satisfies the curious and rational minds of children who are at the age of discovering the world. Sadness is no longer abstract but becomes an "entity" that can be "captured". This explanation is both humorous, close to the worldview of children and contains profound philosophy. By the same explanation that Mr. Ba Bi only has three bags, the author also rationalizes why each person's sadness is different.
In particular, facing death and loss, things that adults often avoid when talking to children, Nhu Hien chooses to face not just once but many times. From the death of Mr. Tu's wife, the departure of Aunt Xuyen, those who died due to the pandemic..., Ken and young readers witnessed these events fully, without hiding. Through that, the author conveys the value of the present. When understanding that anyone can suddenly pass away, children will appreciate more every moment with family and friends, nurturing deep love and gratitude.
"Going to catch sadness" consists of only 8 short stories written in simple, clear language but conveying many humane messages and life lessons. Once again, Nhu Hien has proven that children's literature, in addition to its entertainment purpose, is also a door opening to the world of emotions, helping children grow up fully, understandingly and compassionately. On the last page of the book, the words gradually faded because of Ken's tears or because my own eyes were filled with tears, I couldn't tell...
Nguyen Thi Nhu Hien (born in 1990 in Quang Nam) is a member of the Vietnam Writers Association, currently working at the Ho Chi Minh City Literature and Arts Magazine. She writes for newspapers and composes, and has won many literary awards. Published works: “Rain over Trien Rang” (2023) and “Sitting on the porch watching the sun” (2024).
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/di-bat-noi-buon-nhung-bai-hoc-lon-tu-cau-chuyen-nho-705720.html
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