Thanh Tinh’s ‘Toi di hoc’ remains a classic for Vietnamese students

The literary work ‘Toi di hoc’ (I Go to School) by author Thanh Tinh remains a deeply resonant piece of Vietnamese literature for generations of students, particularly during the autumn school opening season.

Written by Thanh Tinh (born Tran Van Ninh, 1911–1988), a writer from Hue, the story was published in the 1941 short story collection ‘Que me’. The narrative follows the protagonist's nostalgic recollections of the first day of school, capturing the transition from the familiar village paths to the overwhelming and nervous atmosphere of the schoolyard.

The work is celebrated for its lyrical imagery, such as the autumn scenery and the tender moment of a mother leading her child to school, which continues to evoke shared memories of childhood for many readers.