The concept and execution of the entire event were the result of a joint collaboration between four embassies – Czech, Slovak, Austrian, and British – alongside the Goethe-Institut in Hanoi. Throughout the evening, visitors enjoyed excerpts from both European and Vietnamese authors, read aloud by prominent figures well known within Vietnamese society. This unconventional literary journey also offered a unique opportunity to peek inside the embassy premises, where diplomacy and literary art symbolically merged for one evening. Although this concept was introduced in Hanoi for the very first time, the enthusiastic response from the local audience and the high turnout clearly demonstrate a tremendous interest in this type of cultural event.

When Literature Opens Gates: European and Vietnamese Works Take Center Stage

„Literature Night“ provided visitors with a unique opportunity to listen to excerpts from award-winning works of European and Vietnamese literature across several venues located within the host embassies. The selection of titles focused on powerful stories. Works such as „Hana“ by Czech author Alena Mornštajnová, „Love Virtually“ (Gut gegen Nordwind) by Austrian writer Daniel Glattauer, and „Glorious People (Im Menschen muss alles herrlich sein) by German author Sasha Mariann Salzmann represented just a fraction of the rich programme, which showcased the diversity and depth of contemporary European literary creation. The evening’s artistic mosaic was completed by the works of Ukrainian author Serhiy Zhadan, Belgian classic Maurice Maeterlinck, and Italian author Elena Ferrante. The French literary scene was represented by Mathias Énard, alongside texts by Luu Quang Vu, representing the host country, Vietnam.

Prominent Figures as Storytellers: A Literary Dialogue That Captivated Hanoi

The extraordinary success of Hanoi's Literature Night can be attributed to two key factors: the charismatic delivery by the invited speakers and the public's unwavering interest in European literature. The choice of readers proved crucial to the event's success. The readings were presented by renowned personalities who enjoy great respect and popularity among the Vietnamese public, fully unlocking the event's potential. These familiar faces attracted hundreds of literary enthusiasts, who did not hesitate to stand in long queues just to enjoy world literature interpreted by their favorite figures. The diverse composition of the audience, bringing together both younger and older generations, further confirmed the universal appeal and flawless execution of the entire evening.

The Transformation of Embassies and Future Visions: A New Tradition Begins in Hanoi?

The unique decoration of the Hanoi Goethe-Institut and the participating embassies beautifully enhanced the authentic atmosphere of the evening. It created an environment for visitors that allowed the diversity and depth of the presented literary works to truly stand out. Literature Night has thus become a platform for cultural dialogue, laying the foundations for a new tradition. This potential new tradition aims to continue connecting the European literary scene with the Vietnamese audience, strengthening mutual understanding and cultural ties through the power of stories.