The author of the book is Phan Ngoc Tram, a 12th-grade student in Class 12A2 at Nguyen Hue Specialized High School (Ha Dong, Hanoi). From a young age, Tram has shown a special passion for writing, painting, and foreign languages.
With Cá Kịch (Fish Drama), the author not only delivers a meaningful story but also showcases her flexible use of English, offering young readers an opportunity to explore bilingual literature.
The nearly 100-page book tells the creative journey of a girl named My, who dreams of creating her own artistic masterpiece. However, she faces emotional, motivational, and creative challenges.
During this process, My encounters a merman named Nhan. They gradually become close friends, overcoming obstacles together to complete an outstanding play.
Cá Kịch ends on a light note as the play is completed, performed before the public, and warmly received, marking a turning point in My’s artistic journey.
The story follows a magical realism narrative where the friendship between a merman and a human begins serendipitously and evolves into a shared aspiration to create an excellent performance piece.
Cá Kịch is written naturally, with dialogue that feels authentic to the high school experience—full of emotions, arguments, determination, and youthful innocence. It reflects a fresh, colorful depiction of teenage life, brought to life through Phan Ngoc Tram’s storytelling.
Not only did Tram write the book, but she also illustrated the entire work herself. The vivid images of friendship between humans and merfolk are drawn with finesse and harmony, adding charm to the story.
With its natural storytelling and relatable dialogue, Cá Kịch is more than just a creative tale—it conveys a message of self-belief and the value of perseverance.
In the English sections, author Ngoc Tram demonstrates her translation skills, making the story easy to understand while maintaining natural phrasing. According to teachers, writing fiction in English is no small feat, but Tram excelled by preserving the purity of language, especially in the dialogue.
When sharing her creative journey and challenges with Dân Trí reporters, Phan Ngoc Tram said: “Since I was little, I’ve loved writing and always wanted to create stories with my unique touch. Despite difficulties in expressing ideas, I realized I work better under pressure and gradually found a suitable writing rhythm.
With clear deadlines, I can write 1,000 to 2,000 words within two days, then focus on revising to perfect the work. Setting specific goals helps me manage progress effectively and avoid procrastination.”
Tram encourages young people to write based on their feelings without striving for perfection from the start. She hinted at plans for 2025, revealing her idea of incorporating Vietnamese mythology into her next work to connect young readers with cultural elements.
At the event, Ms. Phung Mai, Tram’s homeroom teacher, shared: “Since 10th grade, Ngoc Tram has demonstrated talent in both art and literature. Not only does she draw beautifully, but she also writes exceptionally well.
Remarkably, Tram scored 8.5 on the IELTS, leading the school in English proficiency. Upon receiving her debut work, the school and teachers were thrilled to support and accompany her in fostering creativity and a love for reading among students.”
Writer Hoa Anh commented: “Today’s youth have many ways to express their stories, often using imaginative elements to convey messages more accessibly. Cá Kịch is a creatively written, imaginative work that stands out as both engaging and innovative.”
The book Cá Kịch is not just a story about friendship and creativity but also carries a message about love, compassion, and the cultural value of literary works in schools.
Photos: Le Phuong Anh
