The prize is given every three years to honour the best books in fiction, a literary genre that is often highly challenging for both veterans and young writers.
Hoi The features the tales of Emperor Le Thai To and his loyal courtier Nguyen Trai, one of Viet Nam's greatest politicians and poets.
They began their campaign against China's Ming occupation in 1418.
The novel vividly portrays the heroic deeds of the king and his people, highlighting the strength of the people's inner life.
Seventy-four-year old Than is known for his realistic writing style that sensitively hides romantic feelings.
Although he began writing in 1957, he did not receive a prize until 1983 when his children's book Chu Be Co Tai Mo Khoa (The Boy Can Open Every Door) was given an award by the association.
Than's best-known works, including Huong Dat (The Flavour of Land) in 1964, Ba Nguoi Ban (Three Friends) in 1970, and Con Ngua Man Chau (The Manchu's Horse) in 2000, have been issued by leading publishers and attract both old and young readers.
The association selected Hoi The for the award this year from 247 literary works authored by veteran and young writers across the country.
The association presented three second prizes to Huu Phuong's Chan Troi Mua Ha (The Sun Above the Horizon in Summer), Nguyen Quang Ha's Vung Lom (Main Point), and Nguyen Van Tho's Quyen. All of the works feature a slice of contemporary writing.
With her latest book Xuan Tu Chieu, the Ha Noi-based writer Y Ban shared third prize with nine writers who also showed their writing skills on their work's papers.
Published by the Phu Nu (Women) Printing House in 2008, Xuan Tu Chieu tells the stories about life and love of three married women named Xuan, Tu and Chieu, who try to escape from fixed social mores to free thoughts and lifestyles.
In her interview with the Mot&Cuoc Song (Fashion&Life) magazine after her book's release, Ban said: "I tried to put myself into every word in Xuan Tu Chieu."
In the book, she uses a new, simple and candid writing skill that leaves a very strong impression on readers' minds.
The association wants to honour fiction writers and encourage people, especially the young, to read novels, which often include serious topics about history, culture, life, according to poet Huu Thinh, chairman of the association. — VNS
