Taiwan Travelogue: From Page to Plate

Join us for a conversation about the award-winning novel Taiwan Travelogue, and taste the flavors of 1930s Taiwan! Winner of the 2026 International Booker Prize Winner of the 2024 National Book Award for Translated Literature Presented as the translation of a rediscovered work by a Japanese writer, Taiwan Travelogue tells the story of a relationship between two women in colonial Taiwan in 1938. The young Japanese novelist Aoyama Chizuko travels through Taiwan with her interpreter, Chi-chan. As she discovers the local food culture while traveling around Taiwan, she becomes enchanted by her interpreter. But can a genuine relationship truly form between the colonizer and the colonized? The books offers a rare glimpse into 1930's Taiwan daily life and depicts a nuanced relationship between two females within the unequal power dynamics of colonial Taiwan. At this event, we will explore Taiwan Travelogue through the perspectives of readers from different cultural backgrounds. To bring the novel to life, the event will also offer small plates and drinks recreated from dishes and scenes from the book. The discussion will feature: Melanie Delloye — Director, Writer & Screenwriter Wei-Cheng (Nick) Liao — Master’s student in Social and Cultural Anthropology, KU Leuven Scarlett Tseng — Moderator Drinks & Small Plates: Winter melon tea — A traditional sweet drink for common people in Taiwan in 1930's. Stir-fried rice vermicelli — A traditional dish once sold by vendors on train platforms. Savory cake — A chiffon-style cake created for the Japanese crown prince’s visit to Taiwan. Join us for a conversation about the award-winning novel Taiwan Travelogue, and enjoy an immersive taste of 1930s Taiwan. *Participants are not obligated to have read the book to attend the event. The book Taiwan Travelogue will be available for sale at the event. *Food and drinks are included in the price.