Taiwan Hakka Author's Historical Novel Published in English
Award-winning Hakka writer Lee Chiao's (李喬) historical novel "Deserted Village" has been published in English by Bookman Books. This marks a significant step in making Lee Chiao's celebrated works accessible to a broader audience.
Lee Chiao's "Wintry Night Trilogy" comprises "Wintry Night," "Deserted Village," and "Lonely Lamp." "Deserted Village" is set during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945) and delves into the experiences of Hakka soldiers fighting for the Imperial Japanese Army.
In 2001, an abridged English translation of "Wintry Night" and "Lonely Lamp" by John Balcom was published by Columbia University Press. However, the trilogy remained incomplete in English until now. The current English translation of "Deserted Village" was undertaken by the distinguished translator Jim Weldon and includes an introduction by Balcom. The book was edited by Ian Maxwell with scholarly review assistance from Chen Tung-jung (陳東榮).
Bookman Books has announced plans to release the English translations of "Cold Night" and "Lonely Lamp" next year, allowing readers to explore the entire trilogy in English.
Lee Chiao, born in 1934 and originally named Li Neng-chi (李能棋), graduated from National Hsinchu University of Education. At 90, he continues to contribute to literature through novels, poetry, essays, and plays. His works offer a profound insight into Taiwan's history and culture, particularly from the Hakka perspective.
