Taiwan Travelogue

This is easily the book of the year for me (2026). It is with no surprise that it won the International Booker Prize (though, I must admit that I did not read the entire shortlisted books on that list so take this claim with a pinch of salt -- very much in Aoyama style). Have always been fascinated by Taiwan, Taiwanese people, and Taiwanese cuisine. Reading this brings back memories of Taiwan, and now, I would like to make another visit to Taiwan.

Learning about the culture, and the history of Taiwan through food was such a brilliant way to do story-telling. And the way it was written was simply delightful. What a joy to read. The history and political tensions, despite what your leanings are was not forced down your throat. At least Yang cook it, rendered the fat, make it more palatable for you to swallow and digest. And even included desserts. Now, the sad part is that I really wanted to know what those food mentioned in the book look and taste like?!

Finding out that Yang Shuang-zi is a pen name, and a moniker which pays tribute to herself Jo-tzu, and her sister Ruo (Jo) Hui, was also such a clever way to reference both herself and her sister. In Japanese it reads "Yo Futago", which means the "Yang twins". Learnt about this from Lin King in an interview (the translator).

The ending got me bawling. Heartwarming and gut-wrenching at the same time, especially after reading the epilogue from Chi-chan / O chizuru / Ong Tshian Hoh. The whole book goes like this: "Sweet, then savory, then sweet, then savory", "Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear". I believe, that this book might be translated into a movie soon enough. Please read this A24, or Wim Wenders.