People who love books and kiwis can rejoice because the Taipei International Book Exhibition opens on Wednesday at the World Trade Center — and it will be stacked with literature from the glorious alpine land of New Zealand.
Taiwanese Aboriginal literature will also feature prominently in the six-day exhibition as well.
“We want to show the richness of Taiwanese Aboriginal literature, as well as to give readers a taste of New Zealand’s literary tradition,” says Amanda Liu (劉潔妃) of the Taipei Book Fair Foundation, which hosts the fair.
Photo Courtesy of Taipei Book Fair Foundation
“Taiwanese Aboriginal people and New Zealand Maoris share a common DNA, so we hope that the book fair will serve as a communicational bridge between the two cultures,” Liu says.
The range of literature this year is vast and diverse, touching upon common historical themes, as well as contemporary issues. On both countries.
Among the authors exhibited are Monanen, a Paiwan poet whose work is featured in an English-language anthology of Taiwanese Aboriginal literature. Monanen’s poetry often touches on social and historical ills like Aboriginal children being sold into prostitution.
NEW ZEALAND LIT
The works of New Zealand diplomat-turned-author Witi Ihimaera will also be on display at the fair. The prominent Maori writer has been publishing novels and short stories since 1973. His books deal predominantly with the theme of contemporary Maori culture and social problems, much of which is inspired by his own experience growing up mixed race and gay in New Zealand.
Also featured in the exhibition is Canadian-born, New Zealand-raised Eleanor Caton, who made history in 2013 by being the youngest person ever to win the Man Booker Prize for her novel The Luminaries. The book’s 832-page plot centers around a murder mystery set against the historic backdrop of the gold mines in New Zealand, circa 1860.
Both Ihimaera and Caton will be traveling to Taiwan for the book fair.
If some of the themes seem too heavy, do not fret because the exhibition has a sizeable collection of children’s books as well.
As Liu says, “some of the book fair’s visitors are babies. We see mothers bringing their toddlers and entire families reading books together.”
‘WHITE FUNGUS’
On a somewhat related note, White Fungus magazine, in conjunction with their sister bilingual publication, Subconscious Restaurant, will be hosting a sound-art event at the Sake Factory in Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914文化創意產業園區). The event, held on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) from 6pm to 10pm, celebrates New Zealand being the guest of honor at the book fair.
Ron Hanson and Mark Hanson, the magazine’s founders, hail from New Zealand and are thrilled to be introducing musicians from their homeland. The newest issue of Subconscious Restaurant, which contains text on the country’s musical and literary traditions, will also be released at the event.
As editor Ron Hanson says, “our New Zealand and Taiwan artistic communities are about to become united through this publication and event.”
Entry to the sound-art event is NT$300 and more information can be found at: www.facebook.com/events/955585801120842.
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