The Termite Queen

The Termite Queen is a novel by T Duy Anh that explores corrupt development practices and environmental degradation in Viet Nam. It tells the story of a young man who must expose the corruption of a network of murky figures profiting from their connections to power. The novel is banned in Viet Nam and is told by Viet, a native-born Vietnamese who takes over his deceased father's powerful land development corporation. T Duy Anh cements his reputation as one of contemporary Viet Nams greatest fabulists with criticisms that can only come from a deep love for his country.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Penguin Random House SEA

The Termite Queen is a novel by T Duy Anh that delves into the corrupt underground of development practices and environmental degradation in Viet Nam. It explores the tension-filled relationship between contemporary Viet Nam's hyper-capitalist society and its communist government. The story follows a young man named Viet, who takes over his deceased father's powerful land development corporation. As Viet investigates his father's death, he uncovers a vast network of murky figures profiting from their connections to power. The novel is banned in Viet Nam due to its allegorical nature and criticisms of the government.

T Duy Anh's The Termite Queen is a masterful work of fiction that cements his reputation as one of contemporary Viet Nam's greatest fabulists. The novel is filled with criticisms that come from a deep love for the country, reflecting the author's unique perspective and experiences. Through Viet's journey, the reader is exposed to the corrupt practices and environmental degradation that plague Viet Nam, highlighting the struggles and challenges faced by the country's people.

The novel's exploration of the tension between contemporary Viet Nam's hyper-capitalist society and its communist government is particularly insightful. Viet Nams rapid economic growth and development have been accompanied by significant social and environmental challenges, such as urbanization, pollution, and deforestation. The government's efforts to control these issues have often been met with resistance and corruption, leading to a complex web of power and influence.

The Termite Queen is also a powerful critique of the government's control over the media and its ability to suppress dissent. Viet's investigation into his father's death is met with resistance from the government, who attempt to silence him and cover up the truth. This reflects the reality of many journalists and activists in Viet Nam, who face constant threats and censorship for their work.

The novel's characters are well-developed and nuanced, reflecting the complex social and political landscape of Viet Nam. Viet is a young man who is torn between his loyalty to his family and his desire to expose the corruption that surrounds him. He is a complex character who struggles with his own moral dilemmas and is forced to make difficult decisions that have far-reaching consequences.

The other characters in the novel, such as Viet's mother, his girlfriend, and his father's business associates, are also well-developed and contribute to the story's complexity. They each have their own motivations and desires, which often clash with Viet's own, creating tension and conflict throughout the novel.

The Termite Queen is a beautifully written and evocative novel that offers a powerful critique of contemporary Viet Nam. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the country's social and political landscape and the challenges faced by its people. T Duy Anh's masterful storytelling and deep understanding of the country's culture and history make this novel a truly exceptional work of fiction.

Dimension: 216 x 133 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789815127157