A novel with global reach and regional controversy
The novel 'Taiwan Travelogue' has reached international acclaim while stirring debate in the region. Set during the 1930s when Taiwan was under Japanese rule, the story has prompted discussions about how the island remembers its colonial past. Winning the 2026 International Booker Prize for best work of fiction translated into English, the book now faces criticism in China, where some readers accuse it of romanticizing Japan's colonial administration.
Author Yáng Shuāng-zǐ insists the novel is not a nostalgic portrayal but a direct critique of colonialism. She argues that even when a colonizing power attempts to treat the local population fairly, the system itself remains fundamentally flawed. 'The colonial system is inherently unjust,' she explains, emphasizing that colonialism spreads inequality no matter the intentions of the rulers.
The complicated legacy of Japan in Taiwan
Taiwan's relationship with Japan differs notably from that of neighboring countries like Korea and China, according to Yáng. She believes this distinction arises from the historical shift after World War II, when the Republic of China government moved to Taiwan and quickly replicated the methods used by the Japanese colonial regime. This transition involved replacing the local language and erasing cultural aspects, which complicated the perception of Japan's rule.
'After the war, Japan left and the Republic of China came,' she says. 'They basically accomplished what the Japanese colonial government had spent 50 years doing, for example, replacing the language.' This transition made it difficult for some in Taiwan to fully condemn the Japanese administration, creating a complex emotional landscape.
Identity beyond ancestry
Yáng’s personal background blends multiple identities. Born to a family of WaiShengRen — people or descendants of those who moved to Taiwan after 1949 — she also traces her lineage to Fujian, China, during the 17th or 18th century. For her, being Taiwanese is not about where your ancestors lived but about the connection you have with the land and its future. She wants to redefine what it means to be Taiwanese, focusing on shared values and a sense of belonging to the island.
'I think that's dangerous.' She argues that being Taiwanese is best defined by how people identify with the island and its ideals, not by their place of origin. Whether someone is a recent immigrant or a third-generation resident, she believes all can feel a sense of belonging in Taiwan.
Lin King, the translator who brought the novel into English, was asked about her role in the process. 'My job was to make sure the heart of the story survived in English,' she said, though more of her insights about the translation are still being explored. The book's journey from Mandarin to English is seen as a critical part of its global success.
Yáng expresses deep concern about the future of democracy in Taiwan. 'My biggest worry is that Taiwanese people will give up on our current way of life,' she says. She highlights that democratic elections in Taiwan are a recent development — the island held its first direct presidential election in 1996. The idea that unification with China could mean the end of Taiwan’s democratic journey alarms her.
'We have the right to vote, but we use that right to bury our own freedoms,' she warns. She fears that some might trade the hard-won democratic system for stability, undermining the values of democracy, equality, and freedom that have been part of Taiwan's identity for over a century.
The novel and its author reflect the complexities of Taiwan's history and identity. As a work of fiction, 'Taiwan Travelogue' not only tells a story but also challenges how people think about colonialism, history, and the meaning of being Taiwanese. It is a call to reevaluate the past and the future, urging all to consider what kind of society they want to build together.
