The Soul of Jade Mountain

More about the book

Cultural production, particularly literary work, plays a crucial role in the Indigenous struggle for decolonization globally. In Taiwan, ethnographic novels in Chinese, like those by Bunun writer Husluman Vava (1958-2007), have significantly highlighted the plight of Indigenous people to mainstream audiences. Before his untimely death, Vava emerged as a leader in Taiwan's Indigenous cultural revival, being one of the first to engage with long fiction prolifically. His mission was twofold: to recover and preserve ancestral traditions for younger generations seeking their identity, and to enlighten mainstream society about the depth of Bunun culture. Through his short stories and novels, Vava vividly portrays the daily life, values, and aspirations of the Bunun people. He creates relatable characters in empathetic situations, showcasing the enduring human qualities of traditional Bunun life and their relevance today. His novel won the 2007 Taiwan Literature Award for best novel, and this English translation marks the first ethnographic novel by a Taiwan Indigenous writer published by a North American publisher, representing a significant step in introducing Indigenous Taiwan to international audiences.