In the 1930s, in Chile, a young girl named Esther Huneeus wrote her first book under the pen name Marcela Paz.
It is Papelucho's diary, telling everyday stories from the innocent and delicate perspective of an 8-year-old boy who is imaginative, humorous, mischievous but profound and emotional. He records all his thoughts, experiences and secrets in it.
Only ten years later (1947), thanks to a literary competition, she successfully published this work. The book series was "loved" by both parents and children, causing a stir at that time and subsequent reprints still had the same effect.
The work has been translated into 7 languages: French, Japanese, Greek, Italian, English, Russian, German, and sold 11 million copies worldwide . And, on June 24, the first Vietnamese book “Papelucho” was officially released to Vietnamese readers.
This is the result of cooperation between the VietnamEducation Publishing House, the Chilean Embassy in Vietnam, and the support of Phuong Nam Education Investment and Development Joint Stock Company.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Thanh, Chairman of the Board of Members, General Director of Vietnam Education Publishing House, assessed that this is not only a publishing event, but also the result of a strong connection between two cultures, two countries Vietnam and Chile, through a special bridge - children's literature.
Bringing this series closer to Vietnamese readers, especially children, not only helps them access a rich cultural treasure, but also opens up opportunities for them to explore , empathize and develop their thinking through simple yet profound stories.
Also at the event, Mr. Sergio Narea - Chilean Ambassador to Vietnam expressed his joy when "the greatest classic work of Chilean children's literature" was released in Vietnam.
“I understand that the publishing house has completed the translation of two books in the series, namely ‘Papelucho as an orphan’ and ‘Papelucho – The historian.’ These translations are an important part of the Chilean Embassy’s cultural project this year. And therefore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the leaders and staff of the publishing house and to the translators for the wonderful work they have done,” the Ambassador shared.
Explaining the appeal of “Papelucho,” the Ambassador said it was because young readers could relate to the characters’ language and emotions. The book is not dogmatic and is not intended to educate children like a textbook; it is essentially a children’s novel, revealing the inner nature of children; it gives the impression of a real-life diary.
“Papelucho is an 8-year-old boy with spiky hair, a slim body, big teeth, and a bit different from the typical model child. He is critical and self-questioning, cheerful and optimistic, always protecting his siblings and friends, and writing his experiences and thoughts in a diary. This boy makes us laugh and also makes us reflect on our good and bad attitudes in society,” the Ambassador expressed.
He affirmed that the series "Papelucho" will be warmly received by the Vietnamese public and will be successful.
“Just as I enjoyed reading this series with my family when I was 8-9 years old, I hope the same will happen in Vietnam, that parents and children will enjoy reading this wonderful work together,” said the Chilean Ambassador.
Evaluating the series, poet Tran Dang Khoa, former Vice President of the Vietnam Writers Association, shared that Papelucho is a special and attractive book, with many humorous, intelligent and unpredictable details.
In particular, through simple lessons, children can learn without feeling "lectured." Readers can discover a new, colorful world. Along with that, through each page of the book, readers can also understand the personality, beauty, and culture of the Chilean people./.
Author: Marcela Paz (1902-1985), real name Ester Huneeus Salas de Claro, was a famous Chilean female writer and sculptor.
1920: At just 18 years old, she became one of the founders of the Association for the Protection of the Blind in Cerro Santa Lucia o Santiago, Chile.
1964: She promoted the founding of the Chilean chapter of the International Council on Books for Young People.
1968: She received the Hans Christian Andersen Honorary Degree from Switzerland.
1982: She received the Premio Nacional de Literatura (Chilean National Literature Prize).
Translators: The team of translators from the Spanish Department, Hanoi University: Lecturers Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Nguyen Thuy Trang and Nguyen Ha My, with the support of editors from Vietnam Education Publishing House.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ly-giai-suc-hut-cua-papelucho-tac-pham-kinh-dien-cua-nen-van-hoc-chile-post1046051.vnp
Comment (0)