Taiwan's Identity Crisis: A Literary Reflection of a Bigger Struggle Taiwanese writer Yáng Shuāng zǐ's win at the International Booker prize is not just a celebration of her novel, but also a testament to the power of literature in reflecting and shaping national identity.
Her acceptance speech condemned the idea that art should be separate from politics, sparking a necessary conversation about Taiwan's relationship with China.
The island nation has long been caught between its rich history and present day reality. The legacy of Japanese occupation, followed by decades of Chinese rule, has left an indelible mark on Taiwanese society.