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Title |
Book review of Chiu Kuei-Fen's The Global Path of Taiwanese Literature |
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Author |
Lin, Pei-Yin |
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Associate Professor, School of Chinese, The University of Hong Kong |
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Abstract |
The Global Path of Taiwanese Literature (2023) represents the culmination of Chiu Kuei-Fen's extensive scholarly dedication to the exploration of indigeneity and global concerns within Taiwanese literature. It stands as an exemplary work within the field of Taiwanese literary research. The book raises a fundamental yet significant question: in today's globalized society, how can Taiwanese literature, as a non-Western dominant literary tradition, facilitate greater access for non-Chinese readers beyond Taiwan to engage with its literary offerings? Comprised of six chapters, the book delves into a range of topics. Chapter One elucidates why Taiwanese literature aligns with Casanova's notion of "small literature." Chapter Two, the book's most theoretically rich chapter, critically examines research paradigms such as "World Chinese Literature," "Sinophone Literature," and "World Literature." Chapter Three explores the cosmopolitanism inherent in Taiwanese literature in the new century. Chapter Four, utilizing the writings of Wu Ming-Yi as a case study, analyzes how Taiwanese literature, as a "small literature," can be embraced by English-speaking readers. The final two chapters extend the inquiry beyond conventional print literature, examining the feasibility and limitations of mediums such as the documentary Le Moulin and Ng Kim Chew's concept of the "Republic of Southern Sinophone Literature." This book not only invites a reexamination of the "big" and "small" debates within the global literary landscape, but also provokes contemplation regarding the diverse literary factions within Taiwan's internal literary system. |
