TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Award-winning Hakka writer Lee Chiao’s (李喬) “Deserted Village” has been published by Bookman Books.
Li Chiao’s “Wintry Night Trilogy” includes “Wintry Night,” “Deserted Village,” and “Lonely Lamp,” per CNA. “Deserted Village” takes place during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945) and follows the story of Hakka soldiers fighting for the Imperial Japanese Army, per Hakka News.
In 2001, John Balcom produced an abridged translation of “Wintry Night” and “Lonely Lamp” into English, which were published by Columbia University Press. However, the trilogy remained only partially translated for nearly 20 years until now.
The English translation of “Deserted Village” was not only done by the distinguished Jim Weldon but also includes an introduction by Balcom. The book was edited by Ian Maxwell and reviewed with the assistance of scholar Chen Tung-jung (陳東榮).
Bookman Books said it plans to release the English translations of “Cold Night” and “Lonely Lamp,” next year. Readers will then be able to delve into the entire trilogy in English, it added.
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 write novels, poetry, essays, and plays.
