The Tale of Kiều

Nguyễn Du · 1765–1820 · Vietnam

Originally Truyện Kiều (Vietnamese) · translated by Huỳnh Sanh Thông

Why it matters

A gifted, dutiful daughter sells herself into years of degradation to save her father, enduring brothels, forced marriage, and exile across a decade of relentless misfortune. Vietnam's national epic in verse: still recited from memory, quoted in speech, and consulted like an oracle.

At a glance

Dense classical allusion and strict six-eight verse form challenge readers unfamiliar with Nôm poetic convention.