Entitled Ky Nhan Lang Ngoc (People in Ngoc Village), the book comprises 14 short stories reflecting the life of people in Canh's hometown in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

The book was granted the award for Short Stories of 2015 during a ceremony yesterday.

Canh graduated from the Ha Noi Medical University and worked as a pharmacist before realising his passion for writing when he was 40.

Other awards went to Thong Reo Ngan Hong (Pine Leaves Rustle), a historical novel telling the story of Nguyen Cong Tru (1778-1858) who earned respect as a devoted Confucian scholar and elder statesman.
 

The translation of Nguyen Minh Chau from The Man from Beijing by Henning Mankell, received the award for the Translated Work category.

It is story about a murder but also reflects society in China. The book helps Vietnamese readers understand more about Chinese people and their country in the past, present and future, Nguyen Quang Thieu, vice chairman of the writers' association, remarked.

"The awards help readers recognise this year's excellent works," said Thieu.

"This assessment also reflects people's tastes and the development of national literature in the near future."

"The authors have focused on the war, modern society, history and the country's integration process."

The jury panel considered 176 works before announcing the winners.