From many working trips to Phu Quy Island, the author had the opportunity to interact with people, listen to the memories of many generations, and record small stories rich in life materials. The nearly 600-year history of the island has been distilled, transformed into simple slices, becoming a "ticket" to bring readers back to their childhood in the pristine island of Phu Quy, also known as the Banh Coai Xu and Banh Thu.
The book is divided into 7 parts, each part is a separate color section of Phu Quy island and the surrounding sea area. The narration is not forced to explain but tends to be self-conscious, leading readers into the world of sea turtles, of bare-footed boys on the sand, of fishermen who spend their lives in Truong Sa, of the mountains and seas standing firm in the storm.
Right at the beginning, the image of Kurma turtle became a "story-telling character". From pages introducing turtles in Maya culture, Japan, India to turtle symbols in Vietnamese culture, the author opens up a broader perspective: Turtles are an animal that "encourages" the memory of the earth, existing through many climate changes. Since then, turtle species in Vietnam's waters such as green turtles, reptile hills, turtles, and field turtles have been mentioned as long-standing "residents" of the ocean, who need to be protected from hunting and changes in their habitat.
Through the personalized narration of Kurma turtles, young readers are reminded of the reality of the beach being concreted, the breakwater springing up to replace the sandbank, wild pineapple forest, banyan, maple, and sea spinach. The contrast between the ancient coast - only white sand, green trees - and the embankment today raises a simple question: How will people treat the turtle nesting ground, the coastal ecosystem in the future?
From sea turtles, the author takes readers to Hon Hai in the section "onsuary Island". The island appears like a majestic rock in the middle of the ocean, hundreds of meters high, reminiscent of Ball's Pyramid in the Australian coast. On the rugged terrain, there is the quiet life of light guards, with strict regulations to ensure safety when the wind gusts and waves are tens of meters high. Details like going to the toilet must also have someone to accompany on bad weather days help readers better understand the hardship behind the lanterns.
The section " footresting around the island to hear old stories" takes readers back to Phu Quy island in the 1970s, when the beach was still pristine, the island had no electricity, and at night there was only the moon and stars. The young people of Ngu Phung village gathered on the sand while playing and listening to adults tell the story of Cu lao Khoai Xu, passed down from generation to generation. The colorful rides during the Lunar New Year, the ancient relics associated with the temple worshiping the princess Ban Tranh, Gia Long well... are told in simple language, helping children specifically visualize the intangible cultural heritage on the island.
In the "Hiding Countryside in the Heart of the Island", Phu Quy Island appears not only as a sea and volcano, but also a "countryside" with corn and potatoes boiled from young fir trees, grilled rice, ancient houses, and ancient temples. The author has repeatedly emphasized the sincerity and gentleness of the islanders, "let the story of suffering - laughter, tell the story of being able to eat rice - laugh for the first time", as a way for young readers to recognize the power of an optimistic and simple lifestyle.
The section on "The People of Khoai Xu Sea" expands the perspective on the history of migration: Chinese, Cham, and Central region people went to the island to settle down, bringing with them place names, customs, and way of living. From there, details such as a large family with many children, the mystery of life expectancy associated with life close to nature are placed in the broader context of coastal culture.
The adventure factor was clearly emphasized by the author in the section "csui ban cu lao khoai Xu". On volcanic terrain with many caves, rocks, and cages, stories of hidden beach bandits and islanders fighting back are told in a way that is both documented and evokes the children's imagination. Children's familiar images of beachermen in films - from Blackbeard to the Barbarossa brothers - are re-scored, creating a bridge between the "global story" and the Vietnamese sea and island scene.
The final part of "The Life of a Father and a Son" puts Phu Quy Island in connection with Truong Sa, Hoang Sa, Ly Son, Tho Chu... The lives of fishermen leaving Khoai Xu Islet to Truong Sa to make a living, clinging to the sea, being told in a calm voice. Children reading these pages not only know more about the geography of the sea and islands, but also understand more why Phu Quy is considered the "backbone" for the frontline waters of the Fatherland.
The notable point of "Phu Quy Island - Returning to the Cu lao Khoai Xu" is that the author not only tells stories but also intersperses scientific knowledge and explanations close to classroom language. Concepts such as Organic farming, organic farming, or metal card structure attached to micro turtles in the international conservation system are explained briefly and easily, helping young readers access new knowledge without feeling burdened.
