Sovereign sailors: The photo Nguoi Linh Dao Sau Gio Huan Luyen (Island Soldiers after Training) by Do Viet Dung features young soldiers on the Spratly Islands who dedicated their lives to the country.

HCM CITY (VNS)— A photobook published by the HCM City General Publishing House released last week depicts the lives of soldiers and people who live and work on the Truong Sa (Spratly Islands) archipelago.

The 133-page book, titled Gui Tinh Theo Song (Love Carried by the Waves) displays 100 colour photos selected from thousands taken by journalist and photographer Do Viet Dung of the Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper.

"My photos are the result of my 10-day trip to the Spratly Islands, where I lived and worked with the soldiers," said Dung, who worked on the DK1 Platform and Truong Sa.

The book contains photo of soldiers working and thinking, and having to overcome great difficulties to fulfill their duties. Through Dung's photos, people can learn valuable lessons from the island and soldiers.

Three of the book's highlights are Nu Cuoi Linh Bien (Smiles of Naval Soldiers), Mam Non Tren Dao (Children - the Future of the Island), and Nguoi Linh Dao Sau Gio Huan Luyen (Island Soldiers after Training).

In Mam Non Tren Dao, three young girls play together in a peaceful environment on the island. Under the shadow of trees, they look happy in the golden sunlight.

"For people who have or have not experienced the salty taste of Truong Sa, the photos by Dung leave a very strong impression. Many works were taken close-up from a low angle, and all with the aim of capturing Truong Sa's outstanding inhabitants," said veteran photographer Dong Duc Thanh, member of the International Federation of Photographic Art (E. FIAP).

More than 1,000 copies of the book are available in bookstores around the city. — VNS