Taiwanese author Wu Ming-yi sparks cross-cultural craze during Spanish book tour

The Spanish-language translation of "Bicycle Thieves," the acclaimed novel by renowned Taiwanese author Wu Mingyi, was officially published in Spain this October. To introduce this profound work to local readers, Wu subsequently traveled to Spain for a promotional tour. He visited three major cultural hubs—Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville—where he held multiple book launch events and panel discussions. According to on-site observations and audience reactions, these events were not only sold out but also allowed Wu to deeply experience the immense passion and literary acuity of the Spanish publishing industry, independent bookstore operators, and local readers, demonstrating the powerful appeal of contemporary Taiwanese literature as it transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.

The successful entry of "Bicycle Thieves" into the Spanish-language literary market holds landmark significance for the internationalization of Taiwanese literature. Since the release of the Chinese edition, the novel has been widely praised for its unique narrative structure and its interweaving of historical memory. Using a stolen bicycle as a narrative thread, the novel connects sweeping historical shifts in Taiwan from the Japanese colonial era to the present day, the history of the logging industry, and the heavy, expansive historical slices of the Burma campaign during World War II. Through delicate prose and magical realism, Wu does more than search for the whereabouts of a bicycle; he explores the deep connections between people and objects, and between people and memory. The release of the Spanish translation allows readers in southern Europe to touch Taiwan’s unique historical textures and collective memory through the written word.

Throughout the multi-city tour, readers in Spain’s three major cities displayed unexpected enthusiasm and professionalism. Whether in Madrid’s iconic arts and culture spaces, Barcelona’s humanistic independent bookstores, or Seville, with its deep historical roots, nearly every event was packed to capacity. During the panel discussions, local readers and literary critics often posed profound questions regarding the book’s historical background, narrative techniques, and humanistic concerns. This deep cross-cultural exchange proves that literary resonance is not limited by geographical distance. Spanish readers expressed strong empathy and curiosity toward the book’s depictions of the brutality of war, nature’s retribution, and the theme of tracing one’s roots, causing Taiwanese stories to generate significant echoes in a foreign land.

Beyond the readers’ enthusiastic support, the tour also allowed Wu to gain deep insights into Spain’s vibrant independent bookstore ecosystem and publishing operations. In an era where the global publishing industry faces widespread challenges from digitalization and operational pressures, Spanish independent bookstores continue to serve as crucial hubs for fostering community awareness and promoting in-depth reading. Local publishing peers maintain a high degree of openness and enthusiasm toward introducing international literature, willing to invest resources in translating outstanding works from non-mainstream language families. Through exchanges with these local publishers and bookstore owners, Taiwanese literary works are able to take root in European literary centers, laying a solid foundation and network of connections for more Taiwanese authors to enter the Spanish-language market in the future.

The success of Wu’s Spanish book launch tour is not only a showcase of personal literary achievement but also a successful example of the outward extension of Taiwan’s cultural soft power. As the Spanish translation of "Bicycle Thieves" achieves strong sales and positive critical reception, an increasing number of Spanish readers are beginning to pay attention to the landscape and development of Taiwanese literature. In the wave of globalization, literature is often the most effective bridge for promoting mutual understanding among different cultures. Through meticulous translation and active international exchange, Taiwan’s unique historical experiences and humanistic landscapes are gradually transforming into indispensable, moving chapters in the global literary map, continuing to shine on the international stage.

(Source: Central News Agency)