The 5th European Literature Days, a series of readings, workshops, a concert and an exhibition were recently held from 7 to 10 May in Vietnam. The events were held at various cultural institutions under the embassies of Denmark, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Israel, Poland and Sweden. This year’s theme focused on the interplay between images and words in comics and children’s books.

In addition, recently published Vietnamese translations of European literature were presented. These included the newly printed Trial by Czech-born Jewish author Franz Kafka, who wrote his novels in German. Extracts from the book was read by artist Le Chuc at the opening ceremony on 7 May at the Goethe Institute.

The Israeli best-selling author Etgar Keret was also a guest for the opening night. He presented two short films and read from his short-story collection, which is now also available in Vietnamese. While visiting the country, Keret also launched one of his latest bestselling short-story collections in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

Keret’s sixth short-story collection, entitled Suddenly a Knock on the Door, is the first literary work by an Israeli writer to be translated into Vietnamese. The collection has helped him to be named among the greatest writers in the world by The New York Times.

His books have been published in 36 languages in 39 countries around the world, while more than 60 short films have been made based on his short stories.