Brian Jeffrey
A Milestone for Isabelle Müller
Isabelle Müller has reached a remarkable point in her journey by receiving the 10th National External Information Service Award, which also pays tribute to her mother, Dau Thi Cuc, affectionately known as Mother Loan.
Her book, which tells the compelling story of her mother’s life, has quickly risen to prominence as a bestseller on Amazon Germany, making a notable mark as one of the top five works in the “Kindle Storyteller Award 2015”.
This narrative delves into the life of her mother, exploring themes of history and affection for Vietnam, the homeland of her expatriate mother. The book has been republished four times in Vietnam, highlighting its significant impact.
Reflecting on her award, Müller expressed deep emotional gratitude. “This award honors the life story of my mother. I am especially thankful for the recognition from Vietnamese readers and media. Although she was a humble woman born 95 years ago, her life story symbolizes the struggles and historical narratives of that era,” she shared.
Crafted over two years from Mother Loan’s recounts and supplemented with six months of research, ‘Loan – Aus Dem Leben Eines Phoenix’ offers a genuine portrayal of her experiences.
When asked about the reasons behind her work’s popularity, Müller attributed it to the narrative of a small woman who faced immense adversities while imparting deep messages about hope, gratitude, and resilience.
“The book’s four reprints in Vietnam demonstrate its resonance with readers. My mother and I aimed to communicate love, compassion, and action,” she noted. “People are aware of my efforts towards fulfilling my mother’s dreams of helping our homeland and aiding underprivileged children. It is a shared recognition—this award belongs to us both,” she added.
This accolade not only validates Isabelle Müller’s literary contributions but also inspires her to continue her writing career.
Future Aspirations
Müller plans to revise and reprint her book in a simpler format, making it more accessible to younger audiences, especially Vietnamese youth and adolescents. She aims to help them learn about the historical experiences of previous generations, motivating them in their personal and professional lives.
Moreover, she intends to write additional novels that bridge Vietnamese and Western cultures, offering new narratives to her readers.
A Lifelong Connection to Vietnam
In her writing, Isabelle Müller conveys her profound love for Vietnam, where her mother was born. This bond traces back to her childhood, filled with stories, landscapes, and music from her mother’s homeland. These tales fueled her desire for exploration from an early age.
During her inaugural trip to Vietnam in the 1990s, she was profoundly influenced by the warmth of its people. “The kindness I experienced is indescribable, something deeply rooted within,” she remarked.
Müller’s admiration for her mother’s homeland solidified her unique connection to Vietnam. Each visit reveals the nation’s remarkable recovery and growth following years of conflict, leaving her in awe of its resilience.
One of her proudest achievements is founding the Loan Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children in Vietnam, particularly those from ethnic minorities. Named in honor of her mother, the foundation aims to enhance the future of underprivileged children through education.
