Kim Lân

86 Years Old

Kim Lân (real name Nguyễn Văn Tài, b. 1 August 1920 in Bắc Ninh Province - 20 July 2007) was a Vietnamese writer and actor. He received no formal training in writing but managed to publish his first novel, "Son of a Concubine" (Đứa Con Người Vợ Lẽ, 1941) when he was just 21 years old. He later wrote a series of short stories based on his personal recollections and experiences with country life. His works celebrate the simple yet refined lifestyle of the rural poor and their pastimes. Kim Lân received acclaim for works such as Làng (Village), published in 1949; Nên Vợ Nên Chồng (Becoming Husband and Wife), 1955; and Con Chó Xấu Xí (The Freakish Dog), 1960; in all of which he portrayed, with deep empathy as well as a sensitive eye for hope and humor, Vietnamese peasants' miseries under feudalism and colonialism. Kim Lân was awarded the State Prize in 2001 for his contribution to the nation's literature. Kim Lân is also remembered as an actor in film and theater, with his most famous role being Old Hạc (Lão Hạc) in "Once Upon a Time in Vũ Đại Village" (Làng Vũ Đại ngày ấy, d. Phạm Văn Khoa, 1982).