Jun 2026 Reading Log

At first, I was in a reading slump, but then a book by Milan Kundera pulled me back in.

11. Đêm hội Long Trì - Nguyễn Huy Tưởng

The atmosphere is fantastic. It feels as if the entire imperial era comes to life before my eyes. There isn’t much to the story, the story has very few twists or complexities, he characters aren’t especially complex. It feels like a fairy tale with a very clear distinction between heroes and villains, a heroic journey in the chaotic age of a falling dynasty.

Rate: 3/5

12. Chiếc lư đồng mắt cua - Nguyễn Tuân

I don’t know how to express the shock I have when reading this book. It’s a miserable diary of an addict. How can I tell you that this author is my most favorite writer? I know he isn’t a nice person in today’s standards, but I always believed there were lines he wouldn’t cross. But when I read it more carefully, I spot that he slept around. That was a big shock to me, like knowing your Kpop idol has girlfriend =))) I don’t know, I regret rereading this book. And I won’t rate this book.

13. Điệu Valse giã từ - Milan Kundera

This is a fucked up book. I told myself not to read this author anymore after my first book with him is The Unbearable Lightness of Being. But somehow still, I continue reading this book of him. There are no “normal” characters in this book. All are problematic, but the story makes me feel curious that I can’t stop. I can feel the obsession of the author towards communism and infidelity, and that makes me feel exhausted. But also, his characters have philosophy depth that not much short stories can convey like that.

Rate: 3/5