The self-taught artist has been painting Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam for 25 years and has written about the ancient town since in local magazines. VNS reporter Nguyen Binh chats with Tuong about his book.

Artist Truong Bach Tuong. Photo courtesy of the artist

When did you decide to write the book?

I met a foreigner in 2012 and we talked a lot. When we said goodbye he told me that I should write about what I know about Hoi An. He said that if I didn't write it I would regret it 10 years later.

I thought a lot and I decided to make the book. I’m a narrator in the book to describe what I hear and see in Hoi An.

I have been living in Hoi An for many years and met different people including Vietnamese and foreign tourists. I find that most of them like to listen and to read about the culture of the destination where they travel to.

More than half of the book is the articles that I have written over the years.

You are a Hoi An native. How does this inform your writing about Hoi An?

I was born and grew up in Hoi An. I know many local people who know stories about Hoi An by heart. They have old photos and old memories in their mind.

But it is not easy to get this information. It took eight years to complete the book. Hoi An people are very difficult and extremely reserved about sharing information. When I meet them to get information they just tell me a little.

Then they kept watching my work and understood what I was doing was to preserve culture for young generations. They became more open and willing to provide information. They told me all what they know. They even collected more documents for me.

This is my first book. It was not easy for me. My friends who are writers helped me a lot. They gave me their comments and shared with me their writing experience. I have to thank my friends.

The book also has 80 old photos which I took and collected.

Could you tell us about the cultural characteristics of Hoi An that are difficult for tourists to see?

Hoi An has an integrated culture which combines traditional culture and different cultures over many historic periods. So it is difficult to find the depth of community relationship.

Actually, since 2015, tourism has been developing rapidly leading to a gap between business culture and traditional culture in Hoi An. It is regretful.

What do you think about research and books about Hoi An?

There are quite a lot of literary works and research on Hoi An. They are professional and full of quality. But these works have not yet been gathered and introduced systematically and professionally.

Plus, for various reasons, they have not yet reached the public. On the other hand, many books were written as scientific research so they could not attract common readers.

As a result, there is a lack of books about Hoi An. 

BEAUTY: A photo of Hoi An in the book. Photo courtesy of Truong Bach Tuong

Will you continue to write about Hoi An?

After the book launch, I received feedback from the audience. I think I’m on the right path.

I hope popular writers will have literary works on Hoi An. It is not my wish only, it is a wish of Hoi An people and Hoi An lovers.

Between painting and writing about Hoi An, which do you prefer?

I like both because sometimes I use colours to show my emotions, while some stories must be narrated.

Over the years, I have collected many rare documents about Hoi An. I need time to write another book. VNS

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