Nguyen Nhat Anh’s bestseller to be published in South Korea

South Korean 59mins publishing house has acquired the book’s copyright and will publish it in early 2022, with the translation of Jeong Yekang, according to Tre (Youth) publishing house, copyright holder for many of Anh’s books.

"Some countries are far away, but the bridge of literature, cinema, music and art helps people draw closer. How cannot you want to visit Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris if you love Victor Hugo’s books? I believe literature does not only create beauty but also helps us discover new places, understand a country, love a nation. That is why I hope Vietnamese books would help South Korean readers love Vietnam and its people," the author said.

"Toi La Beto" cover. Photo courtesy of Tre publishing house

Published in 2007, "Toi La Beto" is the first book Anh wrote through the eyes of a puppy. The book depicts the friendship of Beto and puppies Laica and Bino in owner Ni’s family.

Beto, a smart and active dog, undergoes more than 100 adventures, via which the author wants to convey a message about love and childhood.

Many critics like the book thanks to its unique narration, attracting both children and adults. In 2008, it won "The Best Literature Work" award by Ho Chi Minh City Writers' Association.

"Toi La Beto" is also one of three Anh’s bestsellers.

Nguyen Nhat Anh at a book release in 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Nhat

His most successful is "Cho Toi Xin Mot Ve Di Tuoi Tho" (Give Me a Ticket to Childhood), with more than 400,000 copies published, making it the most successful book in the history of the Vietnamese publishing industry.

"Cho Toi Xin Mot Ve Di Tuoi Tho" was also published by Dasan Books in South Korea in 2013.

Anh, born in 1955 in central Quang Nam Province, is currently living in HCMC and holds the distinction of being the author who has written the most books for young people in Vietnam. Many of Anh’s works have been translated into English, Japanese, and Thai.