Taiwan’s ‘Taiwan Travelogue’ Wins U.S. National Book Award for Translated Literature

Taiwan’s ‘Taiwan Travelogue’ Wins Prestigious U.S. National Book Award for Translated Literature

In a historic achievement for Taiwanese literature, the English translation of Taiwan Travelogue (臺灣漫遊錄) by Yang Shuang-zi has won the U.S. National Book Award for Translated Literature. The award, presented on Wednesday in New York, marks a significant milestone for Taiwanese authors and brings global recognition to Taiwan’s rich literary heritage. This victory is especially noteworthy as Taiwan Travelogue becomes the first work by a Taiwanese author to receive the honor since the category was established in 1967.

Taiwan Travelogue – A Unique Exploration of Taiwan’s Identity

The novel, originally written in Chinese by Yang Shuang-zi and translated into English by Lin King, was hailed for its vivid portrayal of Taiwan’s complex historical and cultural landscape. The narrative is centered around a Japanese writer’s journey through Taiwan in 1938, during the Japanese colonial period. Alongside a local interpreter, the writer embarks on a culinary adventure across the island, exploring the interplay of culture, history, and identity.

As the story unfolds, Taiwan Travelogue sheds light on Taiwan’s colonial past, the intertwined dynamics of Japanese rule, and the evolving identity of the Taiwanese people. Set against the backdrop of Taiwan’s railway network, the book dives deep into the intimate stories that reflect the larger political and social transformations of the time.

Yang Shuang-zi Reflects on Taiwan’s Identity Crisis

During her acceptance speech, Yang Shuang-zi spoke poignantly about Taiwan’s evolving identity. Drawing parallels between Taiwan’s current relationship with China and its historical ties to Japan, she discussed the complexities faced by Taiwanese people in defining their sense of self. She explained:

“Some think they are Chinese, just as some thought they were Japanese 100 years ago. I wrote this book to explore what it means to be Taiwanese.”

This exploration of identity is one of the central themes of the novel, as Yang delves into the tension between different cultural and political influences that have shaped Taiwan over the years. The book’s success is not only a literary triumph but also an acknowledgment of Taiwan’s unique position on the world stage.

The Power of Translation: Lin King’s Role

Lin King, the book’s translator, played a critical role in bringing Taiwan Travelogue to a global audience. King, who was born in the United States and raised in Taiwan, began working on the translation as a graduate student. In her acceptance remarks, she highlighted the challenges and rewards of translating literature that deals with translation itself, stating:

“This is translation literature about translation literature. My job was to preserve the essence of the original text while making it accessible to a Western audience without oversimplifying or westernizing it.”

King’s thoughtful approach to translation is reflected in the book’s success. Her translation has brought Taiwan’s history and culture to readers around the world, and her efforts were recognized as crucial in making this literary work resonate with global audiences.

A Story of Collaboration: The Yang Sisters and Their Literary Legacy

Yang Shuang-zi is a pen name used by twin sisters Yang Jo-tzu and Yang Jo-hui, who collaborated to write and research the novel. Although Yang Jo-hui, the historian and Japanese translator, passed away in 2015, Yang Jo-tzu has continued to honor their shared literary legacy by using the pen name.

Yang Shuang-zi’s deep understanding of Taiwan’s past and present is evident in Taiwan Travelogue, which deftly blends historical research with a personal narrative to offer a nuanced perspective on Taiwan’s colonial and post-colonial struggles.

Expanding Global Reach: Success in Japan and Beyond

Following its success in the United States, Taiwan Travelogue has continued to gain attention internationally. The Japanese translation of the novel, released in 2023, won the prestigious Best Translation Award in May 2024, further cementing its place in the global literary landscape. Talks are currently underway for additional translations, with a Korean edition already confirmed.

The book’s recognition in Japan and its longlisting for the National Book Awards this year reflect Taiwan’s growing cultural influence abroad. Taiwan Travelogue is expected to serve as a gateway for readers worldwide to discover the rich cultural and historical narrative of Taiwan.

FAQ: About ‘Taiwan Travelogue’ and its U.S. National Book Award Win

Taiwan’s Literary Future

The success of Taiwan Travelogue is a testament to the growing global recognition of Taiwanese authors and their ability to bring their unique stories to the world stage. With translation rights being sought for multiple languages, the book is poised to reach even more readers and continue sparking conversations about Taiwan’s history, identity, and cultural contributions.

For Taiwan, this award represents not only a literary achievement but also a chance to showcase its rich cultural heritage in a broader international context. As the world turns its eyes toward Taiwan, Taiwan Travelogue serves as a powerful reminder of the country’s resilience, creativity, and deep cultural roots.