'Taiwan Travelogue' Wins International Booker Prize; AIT's Greene: Taiwan's Talent Benefits the World

(CNA, Taipei, May 21, reporter Yang Yao-ju) Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-tzu and translator Chin Ling have won the International Booker Prize for their novel '臺灣漫遊錄' (Taiwan Travelogue). In an interview with CNA, Raymond Greene, Director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), said the world benefits from Taiwan's talent, while Ruth Bradley-Jones, Representative of the British Office in Taipei, exclaimed she was 'so happy'. This year's prestigious International Booker Prize was awarded to the novel '臺灣漫遊錄', created by Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-tzu and translated into English by Chin Ling. This is the first time a Taiwanese author and a Taiwanese translator have been awarded the International Booker Prize, and it is also the first time a work originally in Chinese has won. AIT Director Raymond Greene congratulated Yang Shuang-tzu and Chin Ling in a written interview with CNA today. Greene stated that the world benefits from Taiwan's expertise, whether in tackling today's most difficult global challenges or through the deep exploration of history via storytelling and literature, as recognized by this prestigious award. Therefore, he said, it is essential to continue strengthening and expanding connections with Taiwan alongside partners and friends worldwide. Ruth Bradley-Jones, Representative of the British Office, also posted on Facebook, saying she was 'so happy'. She thanked Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun for sharing this 'pride of Taiwan' work, noting Cheng's discerning eye. As the judges said, it is an extremely complex and ingenious masterpiece that represents Taiwan very well. (Editor: Hsieh Chia-chen) 1150521