Married for Love

Vu Trong Phung is considered one of the most influential figures of 20th century Vietnamese literature, with several of his works taught in Vietnamese schools. Often compared to Balzac, his works were banned in Northern Vietnam until the 1980s, as they were deemed "obscene".

In this poignant exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations, Vu Trong Phung delves into the intricate dynamics of love and marriage in 1930s Vietnam, exploring the clash between genuine affection and societal expectations. The story centers around two main characters—Liem, a young man driven by passion and idealism, and Quynh, a woman caught between her desire for true love and the pressures of an arranged marriage. As Líem and Quynh navigate their complex emotions, Phụng highlights the stark contrast between the freedom of choosing a partner for love and the rigid structure of traditional, family-arranged unions. Through vivid characters and sharp satire, Married for Love offers a powerful commentary on the evolving roles of love and marriage in a rapidly changing society.