Yang Shuang-zi Returns to Taiwan After 'Taiwan Travelogue' Wins International Booker Prize

Taiwanese author Yang Shuang-zi and translator Goldie Golden have won the 2026 International Booker Prize for the novel 'Taiwan Travelogue.' Upon her return to Taiwan on the 26th, Yang stated, 'Taiwanese literature stands on the world stage, and we have never lost to anyone.'

The 2026 International Booker Prize, a major event in the English-speaking literary world, announced its winners on the evening of the 19th in London. This marks the first time a literary work, author, and translator from Taiwan have won the award, setting multiple historical records for both Taiwanese literature and the International Booker Prize.

Yang and her wife arrived in Taiwan on a China Airlines flight in the afternoon. Deputy Minister of Culture Lee Ching-hui greeted them at the airport, presenting flowers alongside China Airlines staff. Yang happily shared the trophy and expressed that the first thing she wanted to eat upon landing was 'Tainan beef soup.'

In an interview, Yang stated that she is not the most outstanding person in Taiwanese literature but was fortunate to have this opportunity. She emphasized that without Goldie Golden's translation strategy and philosophy, winning this major award would have been impossible. She encouraged her peers and successors in the Taiwanese literary scene to believe that 'Taiwanese literature stands on the world stage and has never lost to anyone.'

Yang recalled telling former President Tsai Ing-wen before her departure, 'I really want to win this award for Taiwan, but I don't know if this mindset is healthy.' Tsai replied, 'Why would that mindset be unhealthy?' This helped Yang realize that 'wanting to do something for Taiwan is a very reasonable thing.' She expressed great joy in having achieved this goal for Taiwan.

Yang pointed out that she and Golden share a strong desire to contribute to Taiwan, which is a major reason for their collaboration. She noted, 'We will have groups of the Taiwan team walking out of Taiwan, and we just happened to be at the front and seen.' Although she regrets that her English is not good enough to convey everything perfectly, they have a core consensus: 'We tell as much about Taiwan as possible, and what our current situation is.' Through literature, not only is Taiwanese literature strong, but the entire country has aspects worthy of global attention.

Yang stated that during her time in the UK, she decided with her management team not to accept any speaking invitations until 2029. 'I made this decision after making a vow to Mazu,' she said, hoping to focus on writing her next work. However, she will still hold book sharing events when new books are published.

Regarding future plans, she wants to write about Taiwan, women, and history, aiming to understand what kind of country Taiwan is through small details. She is currently working on two books; one set in the contemporary era is expected to be published next year, and the other, a historical novel set during the Japanese colonial period, is expected to be completed by 2029.

Yang concluded by saying that her greatest wish is to see more Taiwanese literature—novels, poetry, and essays—recognized. 'Taiwanese literature has never lost to others on the world stage; we just lacked the opportunity to be seen. I hope this award opens the door for that.'