Taiwan Travelogue Makes History as First Mandarin Novel to Win International Booker

A stunning story about Taiwanese food and the intricate bond between two women has captured the literary world's highest honor. Taiwan Travelogue, written by Yáng Shuāng-zi and translated by Lin King, was announced as the winner of the International Booker Prize 2026 on Tuesday at a ceremony at London’s Tate Modern. This marks a historic milestone as the first novel originally written in Mandarin Chinese to take home the prestigious award.

The novel is a unique blend of historical romance and postcolonial critique, set in 1938 when Taiwan was a Japanese colony. It follows Aoyama Chizuko, a Japanese novelist touring the island. Instead of following the official imperialist schedule, she follows her appetite, exploring Taiwan’s rich culinary landscape with the help of her reserved yet talented Taiwanese interpreter and cook, Chizuru. As the two women travel together, a deep affection grows, though it is constantly tested by the power dynamics of the era.

Judges praised the book for its experimental form, which includes fictional footnotes and scholarly forewords, calling it a captivating, slyly sophisticated read. The chair of the judges, Natasha Brown, highlighted how the book manages to be both a romance and an incisive look at the complexities of life under colonial rule.

The victory is also a major win for independent publishing, as the press And Other Stories secured the prize for the second consecutive year. Yáng Shuāng-zi, who is known for her work across various media including manga and video games, will split the £50,000 prize equally with her translator, Lin King. It’s a beautiful moment for global literature, proving that stories about food and local culture can bridge the deepest historical divides.

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