Wen-Yueh Lin, a name echoing with poetic connotations under the moonlight, encapsulates all her literary works. Born in Changhua, Taiwan, raised in Shanghai, and residing in Kyoto, her works incorporate the lyrical essence of Eastern literature and Western modes of thought, showcasing her unique humanistic style and profound academic background. Her writing is delicate, elegant yet deep, holding both the subtlety and zen philosophy of the East and the independence and rationality of the West. In her works, one can appreciate the vastness of history, richness of humanity, the vibrancy of life, and her deep understanding and respect for the world. Today, let's revisit five of Wen-Yueh Lin's seminal works, allowing her words to continue illuminating our spiritual journey.
A Year in Kyoto
"A Year in Kyoto" is a book brimming with cultural richness and sentiment, narrating Lin's study and life experiences in Kyoto in 1970, and her deep affection and unique comprehension of Kyoto and its culture.
Throughout the book, Lin guides readers through Kyoto's streets and alleys, visiting ancient temples and gardens, feeling the four seasons. She minutely describes every aspect of Kyoto, from the year-end Kabuki performances to the Nara Shosoin Exhibition and the visits to the Katsura Imperial Villa and Shugakuin Imperial Villa. These vivid narratives not only exhibit the history and culture of Kyoto but also reveal Lin's profound understanding and respect for Japanese culture.
Lin's writing is not just delicate but also filled with emotion. Like a passionate tour guide, her words lead readers through time and space, stepping right into her narrative. Through her eyes, readers see the beauty of Kyoto, and through her heart, they feel the city's charm.
"A city takes pride in its classical heritage while generously embracing today's scientific civilization. It's a magical city, where low and ancient Japanese wooden houses stand adjacent to modern steel-concrete skyscrapers; where the twangs of the shamisen coexist with popular jazz music; where Gion geishas, with their high hair buns, Kimonos, and long swinging obis, walk alongside modern girls with dyed hair and knee-exposing miniskirts. The new and old, the traditional and trendy, blend harmoniously in this city, radiating an irresistible charm. That's what makes Kyoto different from Tokyo and Nara. That's what makes Kyoto, Kyoto." — Wen-Yueh Lin
The Tale of Genji
"The Tale of Genji" is written by the talented Murasaki Shikibu during Japan's Heian period. Hailed as the world's first novel, it provides a colorful plot with vibrant characters and compelling storylines. The book details Prince Genji's exciting life and his intricate relationships with those around him, reflecting the impermanence and sorrow of life, vividly showcasing the societal customs and elegant lifestyle of the time.
Wen-Yueh Lin ingeniously transformed Shikibu's complex and dynamic text into fluent and elegant Chinese, not only accurately conveying the emotions and contexts of the original text but also preserving its beautiful literary style. This has opened the door for Taiwanese readers to appreciate Japanese classical literature. Whether you're a Japanese literature enthusiast or interested in literary translation, it's worthwhile reading this edition of The Tale of Genji, translated by Lin.
In the first chapter of "The Tale of Genji", "Kiritsubo", Lin Wenyue exquisitely portrays the subtle relationship between Genji and his mother, the lady of Kiritsubo, revealing Genji's early life and his deep longing for his mother. In the second chapter, "Hahakigi", the deep affection between Genji and Hahakigi, as well as his sorrow after her death, are vividly presented in Lin Wenyue's heartfelt words.
Each chapter, from "Kiritsubo" to "Akashi", has its own story and theme. In Lin Wenyue's translation, the world of Genji becomes vibrant and tangible, whether it's Genji's emotional turmoil or the magnificent scenery of Heian-kyō, both are portrayed vividly. This translation of "The Tale of Genji" not only allows readers to appreciate the charm of ancient Japanese literature but also enables us to enter the colorful and complex inner world of Prince Genji.
The Pillow Book
"The Pillow Book" is a masterpiece by Sei Shōnagon, a female writer from the Heian period of Japan, and is hailed as a paragon of Japanese essay literature. Based on Sei Shōnagon's personal experiences, the book adopts an essay format to detail the court life and social customs of the time. The book's name, which translates to "pillow book" in English, comes from the old habit of storing books under one's pillow, hence the title "The Pillow Book".
"The Pillow Book" consists of over three hundred essays covering a wide range of topics, from seasonal changes, natural sceneries to court etiquette, and interpersonal relationships. Sei Shōnagon paints a vivid picture of life during the Heian period with delicate brushstrokes and rich emotions, demonstrating careful observations and profound introspection.
Lin Wenyue's translation of "The Pillow Book" retains the elegance and depth of Japanese essay literature while delicately transforming the linguistic and cultural differences of the text. She accurately captures the spirit and content of the original work, interpreting it creatively, allowing Chinese readers to deeply experience Sei Shōnagon's emotional world and the social mores of the Heian period. Through her translation, we can see Lin Wenyue's profound understanding of literature and culture, and her respect and love for the original work.
Food and Beverage Notes
"Food and Beverage Notes" is a work in which Professor Lin Wenyue integrates the aesthetics of life with literary writing. In this book, she describes the preparation process of nineteen beautiful dishes, such as Chaozhou shark fin, stir-fried shrimp, braised pork trotters with sea cucumber, Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, and mashed taro, with elegant words. Each dish's preparation is not just a depiction of delicious food but also a form of emotional expression and reminiscing memories.
Amid her busy academic research, Lin Wenyue finds her earthly pleasures in the kitchen, a way to connect with life. Her kitchen, like the world under her pen, is poetic and emotional. The preparation of each dish accompanies deep gratitude and longing for friends and mentors, creating a warm and deep emotional atmosphere.
Through reading this book, we can feel Lin Wenyue's passion for life and respect for gourmet food. We can also savor her literary talent and emotional depth. This book is not only a hymn to food but also an ode to emotion and life.
People Who Study Chinese Literature
"People Who Study Chinese Literature" by Lin Wenyue brings together more than twenty of her essays and academic reflections, delicately presenting her literary observations and personal journey. This work represents her keen insight into herself, knowledge, and various literary styles. Her essays have a nostalgic tone, portraying the inner world of a literary researcher, revealing her thoughtful contemplation of the past and the present.
The book is divided into three parts:
The first part includes some of her essays, involving personal experiences and sentiments, showing Lin Wenyue's delicate emotional observation and profound life insights.
The second part includes Lin Wenyue's academic notes, detailing her exploration and practice in her academic journey, presenting to the reader a scholar's rigorous, pragmatic academic attitude and spirit.
The third part is her research on Chinese and Japanese literature. Having conducted comparative literature research at Kyoto University in Japan, her perspective has a unique East Asian cultural background, and her interpretation of literature is filled with depth and vision.
This book is worth reading for anyone interested in literature or who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of academic research.
Conclusion
With a review of Lin Wenyue's life and her five remarkable works, we have once again understood this giant of Taiwanese literary circles' high pursuit and passion for the art of language. Whether it is her delicate and rich essays, profound insights in novels, or meticulous translation of ancient Japanese literature, all reflect her excellent language skills and deep humanistic cultivation.
Lin Wenyue's passing has left a deep regret, but her works will forever shine in the literary world, inspiring subsequent writers and readers. Her words, like a mirror, allow us to peer into the depths of human nature and experience the delicacy and beauty of life.
Here, we pay tribute to Lin Wenyue, thank her for her tremendous contribution to Taiwanese literature, and to world literature. Her wisdom and talent will forever light our way, guiding us forward.
