A French historian's book about General Giap

The book features relaxed and friendly talks between the author and General Giap, which provide interesting insight into the Vietnamese national hero's career starting as a history teacher until he became a revolutionary leader against the US imperialists.

As a Vietnam-based correspondent for France’s l’Humanité in 1979, Ruscio had the chance to meet the General many times. He recently gave an interview to the VOV correspondents in Paris.

Many books about General Vo Nguyen Giap have been published in France and other countries in the world. Did you find it necessary to write and publish another book?

Alain Ruscio and General Vo Nguyen Giap

Yes, there are many books about General Giap, including the French version of his own memoirs. But I felt that another book would still draw public attention, especially as it records the very relaxed and friendly talks I had with him over the past 30 years. I first met him 32 years ago in 1979. The talks created a mutual confidence between us. At that time, I was a correspondent for the l’Humanité and a history researcher so he even told me stories about his family. I think it is the surprising little details in the stories that distinguish the book.

Could you say something about the process of writing the book, which is different from a conventional biography in that it records intimate talks between you and the General?

My first meeting with him coincided with the celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory. I met him as a correspondent for the l’Humanité and we wanted the General to tell our French readers about this battle. I originally just wanted to talk about the Dien Bien Phu battle but then something interesting happened: the General’s assistants told me that he was very busy but finally our story allowed me to converse with him for hours. I was so delighted to have a chance to meet the man who was considered the closest to President Ho Chi Minh. Later we decided that we would continue to meet to talk about history, politics, and life in general. At that time, there were few French books about the General. I read my draft over and over and also had others, particularly his wife, read it. That's how the book was formed, naturally.

Alain Ruscio and General Giap's family later

You’ve met him over the years. What most impressed you?

General Giap is one of the world's greatest heroes of the 20^th century, but he is also a very modest man. I took great interest in the way he spoke about the Vietnamese nation, the Vietnamese people and the soldiers. He never put his name before theirs. I’m also impressed by another characteristic – his ability to strike up a conversation with others. What’s more, his marvellous command of the French language - I could share many different nuances of French with him.

What is one of your unforgettable memories of General Giap?

As I said previously, my first meeting with him was a formal meeting arranged by the Vietnamese government. But many other times, I proposed visiting him at his home and was often accepted. It was so emotional to see the great person among his family members. Once I heard a joke he cracked to his grandchild who came to see him. We had tea together. I was really moved to share the warm atmosphere with his family.