The COVID-19 has again spread in after three months without any cases of community transmission. I isolated myself and worked from home. I came across “nCoV autobiography – In the blow of life grows love” published by Hanoi Publishing House in June.
Without terrifying statistics or death toll, the book was a collection of stories that the author narrated from a different angle, but I was really fascinated by its realistic depiction.
In addition to “nCoV autobiography – In the blow of life grows love”, many writers and publishers started to publish works about the COVID-19 stricken time that almost ceased life in Hue and in the entire world. These on-site works have diversified the art life during the pandemic time.
These works include “The two epidemic seasons” (by Dy Khoa), “Days in quarantine” (by Bui Quang Thang) and “I’ve been home” (by Nguyen Tang Quang).
It is a surprise that the young writer Dy Khoa completed “The two epidemic seasons” within 10 days. “I’ve been home” is Nguyen Tang Quang’s collection of paintings that he completed while in quarantine at the Military school of the 7th Military Region.
It is said that COVID-19 has become part of the literature. From what I have experienced recently in Hue, I find it hard to have a distinction between what is narrated or painted and what actually happens.
In reality, the habit has been changed; the acceptance, adaptability and new interaction manners have been formed during the pandemic. Except for some cases, most people are now agreeably giving up their habits such as gathering with friends for coffee or beer. Wearing masks also gets into a routine.
People are adaptable to keeping a safe distance with a person in contact, abandoning hand-shaking, and being aware of coughing or sneezing at a public place.
Through what is going on every day, I have the empathy with the front-liners - the healthcare staff at hospitals and volunteers at the checkpoints, for the risk of corona virus exposure. The sharing in the community to ease the worries about death and livelihood also impresses me. I realize that confidence, love and kindness have been a magic to make everyone stronger and more hopeful.
Tran Duy Thanh, in the story “Don’t worry about a miss”, wrote: “The COVID-19 pandemic brings us both opportunities and challenges of living in this world, even when we sometimes have a feeling of panic and loss. Once you keep calm, learn to accept and adapt, and become conscious, you will know what is important and close to you” (“nCoV autobiography – In the blow of life grows love”).
By Dan Duy