Taiwanese author Wu Ming-yi wins International Booker Prize

Taiwanese literature has achieved a significant milestone with Wu Ming-yi's win at the International Booker Prize for 'The Travelogue of 1938 Taiwan.' This victory is not just a personal triumph for the author but a resounding affirmation of Taiwanese literary identity on the world stage. As Wu Ming-yi herself stated, the pursuit of freedom and equality has been a century-long endeavor for Taiwanese literature, and standing here as a Taiwanese author is a source of immense pride.

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Taiwanese literature has explored the pursuit of freedom and equality for 100 years. It is fortunate to be able to be a Taiwanese person, and I am proud to stand here as a Taiwanese author.

The novel's exploration of history, power, class, colonialism, and love through the lens of two women in 1930s Japanese-occupied Taiwan resonates deeply within Taiwan. It delves into the complexities of identity and experience under colonial rule, a theme that continues to shape our understanding of ourselves and our nation's past. The intricate narrative structure, involving translations and re-translations between two women and across different time periods, mirrors the layered nature of historical memory and cultural exchange.

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Literature is generally quiet, but it never prevents beliefs from spreading far.

This award, following Wu Ming-yi's win at the National Book Award for Translated Literature in 2024, underscores a crucial point: Taiwanese literature is not merely a subgenre of Chinese literature. As Wu Ming-yi noted in a previous interview, these international recognitions foster a crucial awareness and confidence in the distinctiveness and developmental potential of 'Taiwanese literature.' In a world that often defaults to broader categorizations, this award solidifies Taiwan's unique voice and artistic contributions.

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The National Book Award had a greater impact on Taiwan as a whole than on me personally. It gave us the recognition that Taiwanese literature exists and the confidence to show its diversity. Taiwan's language is also a 'minority Chinese,' and we ourselves wondered if 'Taiwanese literature' could develop.

The translator, Lin King, emphasized the significance of this win for 'Taiwanese identity,' recalling her decision to focus on Taiwanese works after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This shared commitment highlights how cultural production can become a powerful expression of national identity and resilience. The prize money will be shared, but the true reward is the global spotlight now firmly fixed on Taiwan's rich literary landscape.

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When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, I decided not to translate Chinese-language works indiscriminately, but only Taiwanese works.