The book published by the Literature Publishing House, 250 pages thick, including 19 short stories, continues to explore the theme of war and soldiers - the overarching source throughout the author's writing journey.
The launch event was held on April 28, at the Photographic Memory Cultural Space (KUNA) in a friendly atmosphere, gathering many photographic artists, journalists and veteran writers. Due to limited organizational space, the launch was implemented in the form of meetings and close exchanges instead of a large-scale event.
The book is a slice full of worries, a sincere incense stick I want to send to my comrades - the soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army who fell for national independence," author Pham Cong Thang shared at the launch.
According to the introduction, "Khoang lang giua cuoc chien" does not follow the epic narrative style but chooses everyday details, "hoang lang" in war to depict emotional depth. Short stories recreate from training grounds, fierce trenches to rear life, where human love, comradeship and even love stories are nurtured in special circumstances.
The book interweaves fictional elements and realistic material. Many characters and details are built from the memories of veterans, including materials provided by witnesses who participated in combat. Thanks to that, the stories are colored with authenticity, rich in experience, while still maintaining the emotional rhythm of literature.
Journalist - photographer Pham Cong Thang was originally a veteran who served at Brigade 172 of the Navy, then switched to journalism and activities in the field of photography. Before "Khoảng lặng giữa cuộc chiến", he released 4 collections of short stories including "Ngã rẽ" (2021), "Tình yêu thời hậu chiến" (2022), "Bão đời" (2024) and "Linh hồn ký ức" (2025).
If previous works are imbued with humanistic, spiritual colors and reflections on life, then the new book marks a clear return to the military theme - where the author has many direct experiences.
Not only stopping at recreating the war, the collection of stories also raises reflections on the loss, sacrifice and value of peace in modern life. The "moments of silence" exploited by the author are the space for readers to contemplate the dignity of soldiers, about human kindness in harsh circumstances, as well as the continuation of memories between generations.
The launch of "Khoang lang giua cuoc chien" (Silence in the middle of the war) in the historic April period is seen as an expression of gratitude from the author to his comrades and those who fell, and at the same time contributes a literary voice on the theme of war - revolution in today's context.
