This year's US National Book Award for Translated Fiction went to TAIWAN TRAVELOGUE. The complicated, twisty rediscovery of this historic novel gives the story an introductory intrigue. The payoff goes to those who love exotic, indigenous food that is hidden from tourists or foreigners. Our heroine Chizuko is a celebrated writer who is brought from Japan to Taiwan to speak about her lauded book. Chizuoko, gargantuous in size has an even larger appetite for food - especially that which is not readily available. So goes this culinary quest that is abetted by Chizuoko's Taiwanese interpreter, Mishima, turned confidant, close friend and indigent mentor. Despite their bond, Chizuoko's impervious behaviors and expectations are put into perspective by Mishima. "There is nothing in the world more difficult to refuse than self-righteous goodwill." Yet, it's hard not to like Chizuko exuberance as she enters each new providence with her proverbial "Is there something good to eat around here?" The social parody of cultural insensitivity and oppressive colonization is an under current that is basted over in a pastiche of cultural differences and cuisine that will appeal to curious food lovers. I appreciated the intent of the novel to bring some historical lore but at its core is food, and more food. For me, I lost my appetite after my first bite in TAIWAN TRAVELOGUE. For others, it may induce salivations for ingesting this Taiwanese food to table tale.
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