Juan Villoro’s The Wild Book debuts in Vietnamese, marking a literary milestone in bilateral ties
WVR - The Wild Book, a celebrated children’s novel by acclaimed Mexican author Juan Villoro, has just been published in Vietnamese to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between Mexico and Vietnam.
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| With nearly two million copies sold and translations in multiple languages, The Wild Book is a magical tribute to reading—written for young readers but resonating far beyond age. |
Nha Nam Publishing and Communications JSC, in collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in Vietnam, has officially released the Vietnamese edition of The Wild Book, a critically acclaimed work by renowned Mexican author Juan Villoro. The launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mexico and Vietnam in 2025, marking a significant cultural milestone in bilateral ties.
Juan Villoro, one of Mexico’s most prolific and decorated contemporary writers, has authored nearly 50 works across diverse genres—including fiction, nonfiction, essays, theatre, and literary journalism. He is the recipient of 16 major Spanish-language literary awards, including the prestigious Herralde Prize (2004) and the King of Spain International Journalism Award (2010).
Among his vast body of work, Villoro’s contributions to children's and young adult literature have earned particular acclaim. The Wild Book (El libro salvaje) stands out as a landmark in his youth-focused writing. First published in Mexico, the novel has sold nearly 2 million copies, been translated into multiple languages—including Braille—and is currently being adapted into a feature film.
“The publication of The Wild Book in Vietnamese language is one of the most relevant events in the celebration of 50th anniversary of relations between Mexico and Vietnam in 2025,” said Alejandro Negrín, Ambassador of Mexico to Vietnam.
Aimed at readers aged 10 and up, The Wild Book follows the story of 13-year-old Juan, whose ordinary life takes a magical turn when he discovers a mysterious, untamed book in a vast library—one that no reader has ever been able to conquer. Through this fantastical journey, the novel becomes both an ode to the power of reading and a tale of personal transformation.
“For me, The Wild Book is a celebration of reading,” the author shared. “The protagonist is a boy facing loneliness, and he finds companionship in books. He sets out to capture a rebellious, unreadable book—one that flees from readers—and uncover its secrets. I am deeply moved that this story has reached Vietnam, a country whose heroic destiny I have admired since childhood.”
Nguyen Xuan Minh, Rights Director at Nha Nam, emphasized the cultural importance of bringing Villoro’s work to Vietnamese audiences. “While Vietnamese readers are familiar with names like Carlos Fuentes and Octavio Paz, Mexico has many other outstanding writers. Juan Villoro is one of them. The wild book is a magical adventure that celebrates libraries, books, and the joy of reading—a story that resonates with readers of all ages.”
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