Central Europe's Writers' Reading Month Opens in Poland; Li Ang's Supernatural Literature Amazes Audience

The prestigious Central European literary festival, "Writers' Reading Month," commenced in Wroclaw, Poland, with Taiwan honored as the guest of honor. Over the next 16 days, Taiwanese authors will engage audiences daily, with the opening night featuring the renowned writer Li Ang. Her exploration of supernatural literature captivated European listeners, offering a glimpse into Taiwan's mystical landscapes.

Ma Chia-ying, Deputy Director of the Cultural Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Czech Republic, emphasized that with the support of Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, Taiwan's participation showcases not only its semiconductor industry but also its novels written late at night, historical scars, and complex souls. Katarzyna Janusik, Director of the Wroclaw Literary House, expressed her excitement, noting that Wroclaw, a UNESCO City of Literature, is honored to host Taiwan, providing Polish readers with a rare literary feast.

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With the support of Taiwan's Ministry of Culture, Taiwan's participation showcases not only its semiconductor industry but also its novels written late at night, historical scars, and complex souls.

Before her reading, Li Ang shared her deep connection with Poland. She recalled that her 1983 novel "The Butcher" (殺夫), a milestone in Taiwanese feminist literature, was translated into Polish in 2023. A seminar held during the Warsaw Book Fair attracted an audience of 300-400 people, a turnout Li Ang found remarkable in the current era of challenging pure literature promotion. This enthusiasm, she stated, made her feel "very, very honored."

Li Ang then read an excerpt from "The River Spirit of the Other Shore" (彼岸的川婆), a piece from her "Supernatural Trilogy." Her performance, marked by a dynamic and emotionally charged delivery, vividly conveyed the story's mysterious and oppressive atmosphere, drawing the audience into Taiwan's unique narrative space. The reading was accompanied by synchronized Polish subtitles projected on a large screen.

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Wroclaw, as a UNESCO City of Literature, is honored to host Taiwan, providing Polish readers with a rare literary feast.

During a discussion moderated by Táňa Dluhošová, Director of the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Li Ang addressed why Taiwanese literature often features descriptions of gods and ghosts. She humorously explained that Taiwanese people generally believe in reincarnation and that a religious teacher once told her she had drunk the "Meng Po soup" but not completely forgotten, retaining a unique sensitivity. "I am like a witch who can write novels," she quipped.

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In the current era of challenging pure literature promotion, to have so many people willing to sit down and listen to a lecture is truly not easy. This enthusiasm makes me feel 'very, very honored.'

Li Ang further elaborated that her "Supernatural Trilogy," written over 20 years and published this year, draws inspiration from Taiwan itself. The island's mountainous terrain, with its hidden spirits, combined with Taiwan's robust protection of religious freedom and inclusive spiritual environment, fuels a powerful "supernatural literature." She expressed hope that it could gain international recognition, similar to Latin American "magical realism."

The event concluded with a Q&A session and a book signing. Li Ang posed a question to the Polish audience, asking whether they preferred Taiwanese literature that explores sociopolitical themes through "Taiwanese cuisine" or the "Taiwanese religion and supernatural" theme she shared. The majority favored the latter, indicating a strong curiosity among Central European readers about Taiwan's mysterious folk beliefs and creating a climax of cross-cultural dialogue.

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I am like a witch who can write novels.