C. Ánh Dương is a Vietnamese-born Canadian author, Governor General’s Medal recipient, engineer, and policy advisor.

Through her storytelling, she explores identity, duty, love, and emotional freedom, inviting readers to revisit experiences that are often buried, misunderstood, or difficult to discuss.

Why She Writes

Her pen name, Ánh Dương, means “sunshine” in Vietnamese, reflecting her belief that stories can bring light to the darkest corners of our lives and guide us toward deeper understanding.

Her work blends narrative prose, poetry, and illustration to create emotionally layered stories that help readers feel seen, understood, and less alone.