Taiwan’s first writer! “Taiwan Odyssey” by Yang Shuangji won the National Book Award The Epoch Times

Taiwan Travels" by Yang Shuangjie, Taiwan's first author of literature, wins American Book Award – Hakkanews”>Yang Shuangji Wins National Book Award for “Taiwan Odyssey”

Yang Shuangji’s book, “Two People Who Wandered on the Railway in Taiwan,” has achieved remarkable recognition. It won the Japan Translation Grand Prize and later the National Book Award in the U.S., making it the first Taiwanese literary work to receive this award.

In his acceptance speech, Yang emphasized the importance of history. He explained that writing about the past helps us understand the future. He noted that a hundred years ago, Taiwanese people asserted, “Taiwan is for Taiwanese people,” and they still do today. The identity of Taiwanese people is diverse, as some see themselves as Chinese, similar to how some viewed themselves as Japanese in the past.

“Taiwan Odyssey” follows the journey of two women from different backgrounds during the Japanese colonial period, exploring their experiences through food. The Washington Independent Book Review highlights the emotional depth of these characters.

Yang Shuangji is a pen name for twin sisters Yang Ruosi and Yang Ruohui. They have written several acclaimed works, including novels and essays.

The book’s English translator, Jin Ling, expressed her desire for global readers to appreciate Taiwan’s culture and history. She encouraged translators to capture the essence of stories without altering their original message.

Jin Ling started the translation while still a master’s student and thanked Yang for believing in her work. She also acknowledged the support she received from her editor and team at Greywolf Press.

“Taiwan Odyssey” reflects the ongoing significance of Taiwan’s cultural identity. Yang’s writing aims to answer the question of who the people of Taiwan are while bridging the past and future.