Thanks to her careful observation, detailed note-taking, and dedicated effort in documenting photos during visits to the Con Dao prison system and the Con Dao Museum, Trang Thuy completed her memoir collection Con Dao Imprints with sincerity and deep emotional connection to this sacred island.
For many years, she had carried the wish to visit Con Dao—home to stories of sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering patriotism. In the introduction of Con Dao Imprints, newly published, she writes:
“Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Con Dao Imprints was born from my belief and hope for a brighter tomorrow. We will begin again, just as our ancestors endured countless wars to build the peaceful Vietnam we have today.”
In only three days on the island, this faith and emotional intensity allowed her to complete nine heartfelt memoirs, each covering different aspects of Con Dao’s history. The titles speak for themselves: Con Dao Imprints, Meeting a Former Con Dao Prisoner, The Keeper of Glorious and Painful Memories, Joy in the Darkness, The Price of Freedom, Writing About the Young Girl Vo Thi Sau, Night in Con Dao, A Gift from Con Dao…
Through a simple, narrative, and deeply emotional style, Trang Thuy tells vivid stories: meeting a former prisoner who recited Phung Quan’s poetry during a night visit to Hang Duong Cemetery at the grave of heroine Vo Thi Sau; encounters with young American tourists at both the French-style and American-style Tiger Cages; and warm moments shared with the people of Con Dao. These stories convey a sense of humanity, compassion, and reflection on the value of freedom.
She recalls:
“By chance, I met two young American visitors. They were delighted to see me in a Vietnamese ao dai and invited me for a photo. When they learned that a former Con Dao prisoner was also with me, they became even more curious and affectionate. I thought to myself: they, like us, are a younger generation—those who caused the past suffering are long gone. Their innocence left a gentle impression on me.”
In the memoir The Keeper of Glorious and Painful Memories, she includes precious documentary photos of artifacts and displays from the Con Dao Museum, helping readers who have never visited understand the courage of imprisoned revolutionaries—their relentless willpower, creativity in surviving harsh conditions, and determination to maintain their health despite hunger, illness, and oppression.
Beyond the commemorative and reflective writings, Trang Thuy also observes the present and future of Con Dao—its economic growth, cultural development, and educational progress. Memoirs like Night in Con Dao, The People of Con Dao, A Gift from Con Dao portray the island’s beauty and its kind-hearted inhabitants, leading her to express gratitude:
“Thank you, Con Dao. Thank you, my friends. Thank you, the gentle night sea of Con Dao. This journey has been meaningful beyond words, and I will never allow myself to forget it.”
The tenth memoir, A Reunion with Con Dao in Hue, describes a heartfelt meeting between the management of Saigon 68 Hotel – Con Dao and former prisoners now living in Hue. The story shows that the sacrifices of Con Dao’s former inmates have never been forgotten, and the people living and working on the island still show sincere respect and gratitude for those who gave their lives for the nation.
Trang Thuy shares:
“I am happy to have kept my promise to Con Dao—to complete Con Dao Imprints in time to present it to the Saigon 68 Hotel delegation and the former prisoners attending the reunion. Joy, emotion, and remembrance—those are the feelings that remain with me now and forever.”
Supporting herself by selling coconuts and writing on her phone during quiet moments, Trang Thuy created Con Dao Imprints from a place of love, reverence for the poignant history of Con Dao, and a firm belief in Vietnam’s bright future.
