I am pleased to share with you that my review of Taiwan Travelogue, written by Taiwanese author Yáng Shuāng-zǐ and transalted by Lin King, was recently published by Mascara Literary Review. It can be viewed HERE.
This piece is relatively lengthy and academic. Using the Australian edition via Scribe Publishing, I discuss how the book interrogates colonialism, highlights “Taiwanese Consciousness”, and emphasises “Taiwanese Literature”, with some observations on the translation as well.
While writing this piece for Mascara Literary Review, I learned that the biannual digital literary journal was co-founded in 2007 by renowned Singaporean Australian poet Boey Kim Cheng and poet and novelist Michelle Cahill. The journal focuses on the work of “First Nations, CaLD, disabled and neurodivergent writers, as well as human rights and experimentation”. Specifically, from the official website:
“We specialise in publishing platforms for minorities, focusing on cultural cohesion and participation. We foster a space for critical research to bridge the gaps left by institutions; a space for writers, readers and researchers that is progressive and vibrant. We are interested in shaping the way that discourse structures social realities and positions individuals hierarchically.”
“The word ‘mascara’ entered the English language in 1890. But it derives from Spanish, Arabic and French origins, its meaning evolving from the word ‘mask’, ‘masquerade’, to darken, to blacken. The Arabic word ‘maskhara’ means buffoon, suggesting violence and play in the correspondences between life and art.”
Note: In June 2018, my review of The Stolen Bicycle, written by Taiwanese author Wu Ming-Yi and translated by Darryl Sterk, was published by Mascara Literary Review. It can be viewed HERE.
