The Sorrow of War – A Different Approach to the Post-War Narrative

This paper focuses on analyzing The Sorrow of War by Bảo Ninh as a symbol of the renewed perspective and narrative approach to war literature in Vietnam after 1975. Rather than glorifying victory or depicting one-dimensional heroism, the novel delves into the tragic fate of individuals during and after the war—most notably through the character of Kiên, a soldier who survives the battlefield but remains haunted by his past. Through a contemplative narrative style, nonlinear structure, the use of stream-of-consciousness technique, and multiple narrative viewpoints, Bảo Ninh exposes not only the physical pain of war but also the persistent, silent psychological trauma it leaves behind. This artistic choice renders The Sorrow of War a profoundly humanistic work, awakening readers to the devastating consequences of war—not only in the time of bombs and bullets, but also in the fragile peace that follows. The novel marks Bảo Ninh’s exceptional talent in pushing the boundaries of war literature and contributes to shaping a more reflective, dialogical perspective on history.