Ang Min-de: Capturing the Zeitgeist of Taiwanese Culture and History
– Taiwan
Ang Min-de is renowned for his masterful use of Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Japanese, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Taiwan. His writings, which chronologically stretch from the end of World War II to contemporary times, delve into the zeitgeist of each era, unveiling aspects of society often overlooked. He is particularly adept at portraying the nuanced emotional landscapes of everyday grassroots characters. His notable work, Tán-lōo (meaning a gift brought when visiting friends in Taiwanese), not only captured the literary community’s attention but also won several prestigious awards, confirming his skill in weaving cultural, historical, and deeply personal narratives into the broader tapestry of Taiwanese society.