“Taiwan Travelogue” by Yang Shuang-zi
Note: preceding meetups: July 14 is “Playground“ by Richard Powers and then September 15 is “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee. What we'll do Finish reading, then join us in person, share your insights over a meal and/or drink(s) at Bar Storia del Caffè, The Salil Hotel. It’s on Soi Sukhumvit 57 and is a 7-minute walk from BTS Thonglor station. Approximately 320 pages. It’s available at Kinokuniya Bookstore for 689 baht. On amazon kindle it’s $11.99 Or you may prefer the audiobook from audible.com with a running time of 10h 12m. If you need the ebook please contact the host. Synopsis May 1938. The young novelist Aoyama Chizuko has sailed from her home in Nagasaki, Japan, and arrived in Taiwan. She’s been invited there by the Japanese government ruling the island, though she has no interest in their official banquets or imperialist agenda. Instead, Chizuko longs to experience real island life and to taste as much of its authentic cuisine as her famously monstrous appetite can bear. Soon a Taiwanese woman―who is younger even than she is, and who shares the characters of her name―is hired as her interpreter and makes her dreams come true. The charming, erudite, meticulous Chizuru arranges Chizuko’s travels all over the Land of the South and also proves to be an exceptional cook. Over scenic train rides and braised pork rice, lively banter and winter melon tea, Chizuko grows infatuated with her companion and intent on drawing her closer. But something causes Chizuru to keep her distance. It’s only after a heartbreaking separation that Chizuko begins to grasp what the “something” is. Important to know No entrance fee, no membership fees. Your patronage of the cafe is highly appreciated, as usage of their facility is without charge. Expect meal/drink to average 450 baht thereabouts
