Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-tzu’s (楊双子) Taiwan Travelogue (臺灣漫遊錄) has won the prestigious U.S. National Book Award, making history as the first Taiwanese literary work to receive this honor.
The novel tells the story of two women—one Japanese and one Taiwanese—whose contrasting cultural upbringings offer a profound exploration of identity, connection, and the complexities of their shared history.
Yang Shuang-tzu is the pen name of twin sisters Yang Jo-tzu (楊若慈) and Yang Jo-hui (楊若暉). Although Yang Jo-hui passed away in 2015, Yang Jo-tzu continues to write under their shared name as a tribute to her late sister.
In her acceptance speech, Yang Jo-tzu reflected on the importance of history in shaping Taiwan’s identity. She noted that 100 years ago, Taiwanese people told the Japanese, “Taiwan belongs to the Taiwanese”. Today, that same declaration is addressed to the Chinese. Yang highlighted the ongoing challenge of facing a powerful and aggressive neighboring country, while also navigating Taiwan’s diverse internal national and ethnic identities.
Through her work, Yang strives to answer the question: “What does it mean to be Taiwanese?” She believes that documenting Taiwan’s past is essential for shaping a brighter future and fostering a deeper understanding of the nation’s unique identity.