Prague: Taiwanese authors Wu Ming-yi and Liao Hung-chi appeared at the Book World Prague this week to discuss Taiwanese literature and its complex marine culture with Czech readers. Attending the event held from May 14-17 in the Czech capital, Wu and Liao introduced their novels "The Man with the Compound Eyes" and "Fish Dreaming" (an informal translation of the Chinese title, as it has no formal English name), respectively. They also shared with readers their views on life and literature in Taiwan.
According to Focus Taiwan, Wu mentioned that the ability of Taiwan literature to gain traction in European markets often depends on translators and publishers who develop a strong interest in Taiwan. This was the case for both his and Liao's work. The two books were published by Mi:Lu Publishing, an independent Czech publisher with a branch in Taiwan founded by Czech artist Tom¡…¡ Rzek.
Many Czech readers initially viewed Taiwan mainly as part of Chinese culture, Wu said. However, they began to see a different side of the island through his writing about Indigenous communities and natural landscapes. He also reflected on Taiwan's relationship with the sea, noting that although Taiwan is an island, decades of maritime restrictions during the martial law era weakened people's connection with the ocean. Wu remarked that Nordic readers sometimes perceive Taiwan as both a maritime country and not quite one, as the ocean is deeply integrated into everyday life in countries such as Norway and Sweden.
Liao shared that his book consists of 52 short stories inspired by fish and his own dreams about the sea. As both a fisherman and writer, Liao said many of his stories are shaped by memories of images and experiences encountered while at sea. He expressed his honor in introducing Taiwan's ocean culture overseas and hoped literature could help people better understand and respect the sea.
One Czech reader, identified only as Tereza, said she was drawn to the recurring depictions of the ocean and fishing life in Taiwanese literature. "As someone from a landlocked country, the sea feels almost like something from a fairy tale," she said.