Introduction:
On November 20, 2024, Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi made history by becoming the first writer from Taiwan to win the prestigious U.S. National Book Award for Translated Literature. Her novel Taiwan Travelogue (臺灣漫遊錄), which explores Taiwan’s cultural heritage and its modern identity, earned her international recognition. In an exclusive interview after the award ceremony, Yang shared insights into her journey, her advocacy for Taiwan’s identity, and how her experiences have shaped her writing.
A Historic Literary Achievement
Yang Shuang-zi’s victory marks a monumental moment in Taiwan’s literary history. Taiwan Travelogue, translated by Lin King, garnered global acclaim for its delicate portrayal of Taiwanese culture, history, and the complexities of Taiwanese identity. In a phone interview following the announcement, Yang explained that while winning the award was an incredible honor, it was the opportunity to represent Taiwan on an international stage that truly excited her.
“Winning the award was exciting, but the real importance lies in having a platform to speak for Taiwan, to ensure our voices are heard worldwide,” Yang expressed. Her words highlighted the significance of the recognition, not just for her personal achievement but for Taiwan as a whole.
Writing for Taiwan: From Student Movements to Global Recognition
The themes of Taiwan Travelogue are deeply influenced by Yang’s personal experiences in Taiwan’s two major grassroots movements — the 2008 Wild Strawberry Movement and the 2014 Sunflower Movement. These movements focused on Taiwan’s political autonomy and its relationship with China, both of which have been central to Yang’s development as a writer and as an advocate for Taiwan.
“In 2008, I was part of the Wild Strawberry Movement, where I protested against the visit of Chen Yunlin, the head of China’s Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits. It was a turning point for me,” said Yang. “I began to question my own identity and my understanding of Taiwan’s history and future.”
Through her participation in these movements, Yang gained a clearer sense of what it meant to be Taiwanese. This led her to pursue studies in Taiwan literature and write with a strong commitment to the nation’s identity.
A Tribute to Taiwanese Women: Inspirations from History
The plot of Taiwan Travelogue revolves around the 1938 culinary journey of a Japanese writer and her Taiwanese interpreter, tracing the island’s cultural and historical landmarks. Yang explained that one of the most meaningful aspects of her novel is how it honors Taiwan’s first female journalist, Yang Qian-he. The novel’s protagonists share the name “千鶴” (Chizuru), a tribute to this iconic figure in Taiwanese history.
Yang’s earlier works, such as The Season When Flowers Bloom and Blossoming Girls of Gorgeous Island, also reflect her deep interest in Taiwan’s colonial past and the role of women during that time. By exploring these historical themes, Yang sheds light on the complex layers of Taiwanese identity and how the island navigates its past, present, and future.
Yang Shuang-zi: Writing Beyond Personal Legacy
One unique aspect of Yang’s literary career is the pen name she chose: “Yang Shuang-zi,” which is shared by both Yang Shuang-zi and her late twin sister, Yang Jo-hui. Yang Jo-hui, who passed away in 2015, was an expert in history and Japanese language, and played a crucial role in helping Yang with her historical novels.
“Before my sister passed, she told me, ‘Do not give up on life. Take me somewhere far away in the future,'” Yang recalled. This emotional connection to her sister continues to fuel her writing, including her award-winning Taiwan Travelogue. “Now, with this recognition, I feel as though I’ve brought my sister to a faraway place,” Yang concluded.
Conclusion: The Future of Taiwanese Literature
Yang Shuang-zi’s win at the U.S. National Book Award has solidified her place as a key figure in modern Taiwanese literature. Her work not only reflects the beauty and complexity of Taiwan but also emphasizes the importance of preserving the island’s culture and history. As she continues to write about Taiwan’s past and its evolving identity, Yang’s voice resonates more than ever on the global literary stage.
Table: Key Highlights of Yang Shuang-zi’s Career
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Participated in the Wild Strawberry Movement |
| 2014 | Took part in the Sunflower Movement |
| 2017 | Published The Season When Flowers Bloom |
| 2018 | Published Blossoming Girls of Gorgeous Island |
| 2020 | Published Taiwan Travelogue |
| 2024 | Won the U.S. National Book Award for Taiwan Travelogue |
FAQs:
1. What is Taiwan Travelogue about?
Taiwan Travelogue follows the journey of a Japanese writer in 1938, exploring Taiwan’s cultural and culinary landscape, while also examining the island’s complex identity during the colonial era.
2. Who translated Taiwan Travelogue?
The novel was translated into English by Lin King.
3. Why did Yang choose the name “Shuang-zi”?
Yang’s pen name is a tribute to her late twin sister, Yang Jo-hui, who was instrumental in shaping her literary career.
4. What inspired Yang’s focus on Taiwanese identity?
Yang’s involvement in Taiwan’s student movements, particularly the Wild Strawberry and Sunflower Movements, played a pivotal role in shaping her identity as a Taiwanese writer.
