Martín Rama is a Uruguayan economist. He lived in Hanoi from 2002 to 2010, when he was the World Bank’s chief economist there. Since then, he has “fallen in love” with the city and is determined to keep his love alive and growing.
In 2014, he became known to many Vietnamese people with his book "Hanoi, a place to roam" and won the Bui Xuan Phai award: For the love of Hanoi. Now, after nearly a decade, Martín Rama continues to publish his second book about Hanoi. With the title taken from the Bui Xuan Phai award, the book seems to represent the continuation and development of Martín Rama's love for Hanoi. From falling in love to going out, and now a new stage with more commitment to "Her" - the way Martín Rama often affectionately talks about Hanoi.
Martín Rama continues to release his second book about Hanoi, titled "For the love of Hanoi"
"For the Love of Hanoi" by Martín Rama is the 9th book to be included in the bookshelf "Hanoi Streets and People" of Vietnam Books and Media Company Limited (Tri Thuc Tre Books). Through the book, author Martín Rama wants to share a perspective in which heritage preservation is completely combined with economic development. This will help the city to develop prosperously while still maintaining its own unique identity. And Hanoi is the muse for this idea of his.
With 45 articles arranged into 5 chapters: "Hanoi is so special", "What is heritage?", "Preservation campaigns", "Bui Chu epic", "A project for Hanoi".
The book "For the love of Hanoi" shows the author's journey of efforts in contributing to the protection and development of Hanoi's unique features. By choosing young poet Nguyen Bang Ngoc as translator and young artist Dang Viet Loc as illustrator for the book, Martin Rama wishes to convey his passion in many different "languages": economics, emotions and painting. In this way, the book "For the love of Hanoi" will have more than one way to reach the hearts of readers.
As a foreigner and also an economist, Martín Rama's love for Hanoi is very special. He does not regret her past, nor does he try to bring her back to her former appearance. Martín Rama cherishes Hanoi in every present moment and in his future plans. Over more than two decades, from Hanoi, a place to play to For the Love of Hanoi, from the moment of falling in love to the process of learning, being passionate and committed, Martín Rama not only expresses his views on heritage preservation and urban development, but also on love and responsibility. A persistent journey has shown that he loves Hanoi with all his heart but is determined to protect her with reason.
The book "For the Love of Hanoi" by author Martín Rama, published by Vietnam Books and Media Company (Tri Thuc Tre Books), will be officially launched on July 29, 2023.
