Literature from the Perspective of Disabled Writers
The seminar “Writing from and Beyond the ‘Limits’ of the Body” held at the Goethe Institute Hanoi on the evening of December 18 sparked a lively conversation about literature from the perspective of disabled writers.
In the case of disabled authors, their work is often approached through a stereotypical narrative, such as the journey of overcoming adversity, or literature being seen as a “healing remedy.” These stereotypes can confine writers and, on the other hand, limit the way their works are understood when received by audiences. Addressing this issue, the Goethe Institute Hanoi hosted this engaging conversation: “Writing from and Beyond the ‘Limits’ of the Body.”
As part of the event, the two writers Eva Eikhout (from the Netherlands) and Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa (from Vietnam), under the coordination of Dr. Anh Quyên Nguyễn, reflected on their literary journeys, the inspirations that led them to begin writing, their views on literature, and the influence of their bodily and cultural experiences on their literary perspectives.
It is common to approach literary works by exploring the biographies of the authors. However, both Eva Eikhout, who lost both arms and legs, and Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa, who suffers from paralysis in her right hand, have chosen to write beyond the physical limits of their bodies. While Eva writes about her own story, she constructs a world filled with joy and humor, whereas Kim Hòa creates a world where dreams and hopes are embodied in the fates of her characters.
The speakers’ presentations at the event reaffirmed the message: The experience of being a person with disabilities may not necessarily be an obstacle to overcome in the literary journey. It can be a source of inspiration, offering each person a different perspective on the world.
The Q&A session of the event also opened up many interesting and broad views on the topic “Writing from and Beyond the ‘Limits’ of the Body,” with many readers who are people with disabilities expressing interest or a desire to share their stories with the world. The barriers mentioned included not knowing where to begin, differences and limitations in writing language, difficulties in accessing reading materials, and profound life questions such as what a life full of hope looks like. The speakers’ answers helped resolve some of these challenges, offering encouragement for each individual to continue on their own journey.
The seminar concluded with the hope that in the future, more literary works for the disabled community would convey the perspective they are waiting for: Rather than focusing on deficiencies and idealizing the fates of individuals, the goal should be to portray lives filled with emotions just like any ordinary person. In doing so, literature can create a society where everyone has the space to tell their story, where everyone is included, and is part of the diversity of this world.
Eva Eikhout is a program producer and presenter from the Netherlands for the BNNVARA media organization, and also the coordinator of the event and an inspiring speaker. In the spring of 2024, her debut book, “This Is Not a Book by a Girl Without Arms & Legs,” will be published. Eva writes weekly columns for several magazines/apps/social media platforms in the Netherlands and has served as a guest editor.
Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa is a writer from the “little desert” of Ninh Thuận. She began writing at the age of 25 and has written extensively about women and children. To date, Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa has published 15 books (including 8 children’s books) and has received several literary awards. Some of her works have been included in school curriculums. Nguyễn Thị Kim Hòa shares that she still uses literature to live many lives within one lifetime.
Linh Nguyen