Frankfurt:Czech author Radka Denemarková and Taiwanese writer Yang Shuang-zi engaged in a discussion at the Frankfurt Book Fair on Wednesday, examining how the histories of their respective countries have influenced their societies.
According to Focus Taiwan, the discussion, titled "Telling Her Story Women, Trains and the Weight of History," took place at the Czech pavilion. This year, the Czech Republic is honored as the guest country at the fair, which commenced on Wednesday and will continue through Sunday.
The authors utilized their novels, Denemarková's "Cokoládová krev" (Chocolate Blood) and Yang's "Taiwan Travelogue," as a basis to explore themes of women, railways, and historical memory. Yang's narrative, set in Taiwan during Japanese colonial rule, aims to resonate with contemporary society and educate readers about Taiwan's past. Denemarková, known for her work on totalitarianism, historical memory, and individual freedom, incorporated her observations from visits to China into her novel "Hodiny z olova" (Hours of Lead). She has been prohibited from entering China since 2017.
Denemarková shared with CNA that her connection to Taiwan began unexpectedly after her departure from China. She first traveled to Taiwan in January 2020, remaining for five months. During this period, she observed the presidential election and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, gaining insights into Taiwan's societal solidarity and geopolitical significance. Her interest in Taiwan extends beyond contemporary issues to its colonial history and the White Terror. These reflections are shaping a new novel she is developing, provisionally titled "Nanning Street," which will explore the experiences of two families in Taiwan and Central Europe.
Yang, whose novel "Taiwan Travelogue" won the 2026 International Booker Prize, recounted her visits to the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2024. She noted that the historical developments and freedom struggles in these countries offer valuable lessons for Taiwan. Through travel, individuals can gain new perspectives on their own countries and consider their place in the global dialogue.
At the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Taiwan pavilion showcases 258 titles from 58 publishers, featuring authors like Liu Ka-shiang and Chou Chien-hsin. Lo Mei-shun, head of Taiwan's representative office in Frankfurt, emphasized that the pavilion's collection invites visitors to experience the essence of Taiwan through its literature.
