By Lee Minji
In a recent press conference held in Seoul, acclaimed Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi shared her insights after winning the prestigious International Booker Prize for her historical novel, “Taiwan Travelogue.” This celebrated work delves into profound themes of love, food, colonialism, and identity, explored through the compelling relationship between a Japanese novelist and her Taiwanese interpreter.
Yang Shuang-zi and her translator, Lin King, mark a significant milestone as the first duo to clinch this esteemed literary prize for an East Asian novel since South Korean author Han Kang and translator Deborah Smith received the honor for Han’s critically acclaimed masterpiece, “The Vegetarian,” in 2016.
Reflecting on the nature of storytelling, the Taiwanese writer asserted at the press conference, “The power of literature is not swift. It does not work in the way an ill person recovers from a disease by taking medication or undergoing surgery.”
She elaborated on literature’s enduring impact: “But through literature, we extend our conversations until we manage to find common ground. Although that conversation may take a long time, perhaps a longer time than a person’s entire life, that is what we have to do.”
Yang Shuang-zi, who also identifies as a dedicated social activist, admitted to feeling “impatient” with the finite time available to influence global change.
However, she posited, “But we all know that society does not change at once. So what I hope is that literature will extend its lifespan, one that is longer than each of our individual lives, allowing the next generation to take over.”
For author Yang Shuang-zi, whose literary themes profoundly intertwine history with women’s lives, a core ambition is to chronicle the unwritten dreams and histories of women.
She shared, “When I was young, it was difficult to find stories with women as main characters or those depicting their career growth. As an adult, I wanted to tell these kinds of stories to younger women.” She emphasized her literary mission: “I want to write about things that are not written down in history through literature.”
During her recent engagements with readers in South Korea, Yang found it particularly compelling that they often empathized with the Taiwanese interpreter’s perspective in her novel, more so than the main character’s. She surmised this connection might stem from the shared history of Japanese colonial rule experienced by both South Korea and Taiwan.
Highlighting the growing cultural exchange, the Booker Prize-winning author noted the increasing number of Taiwanese literary works translated into Korean, asserting that these serve as invaluable windows for South Koreans to explore the diverse facets of Taiwan.
Since her momentous International Booker Prize victory, Yang Shuang-zi has maintained a busy schedule. She announced her ambitious goal to complete two new books by 2029, including a contemporary novel she intends to finish this year.
She further revealed her long-term project: “After that, I want to pour all my heart and energy into my third history novel… one that centers on women and their jobs. A lot of research is needed on women and their jobs from 100 years ago, so I plan to concentrate all my energy on it.”
