Taiwanese author Kevin Chen (陳思宏) visited Bratislava, Slovakia, on Tuesday, to hold events for the Czech translation of his book “Ghost Town.” The event attracted locals from publishing and literary circles, Taiwan studies researchers, and readers, deepening Central European audiences’ understanding of Taiwanese culture and society. 

According to a press release from the Taipei Representative Office in Bratislava, Chen held two lectures and signing sessions at the Taiwan Studies Center of Comenius University and BRaK publishing center. He shared the creative background behind his book, describing how he used family memory, local culture, and the experience of returning home to portray emotional connection and historical memory with Taiwanese township society. 

Audiences showed strong interest in the novel’s depiction of family relations, local community, and marginal experiences with lively discussions and enthusiastic questions throughout both events. Taiwan’s representative to Slovakia, Lee Nan-yang (李南陽), attended along with Taiwanese overseas community members, working holiday youth, and students. 

Ghost Town, set in Changhua County, blends local cultural writing, dark humor, and magical realism, and has sold translation rights in multiple languages. The Czech edition was supported by Taiwan’s Culture Ministry’s Grant for the Publication of Taiwanese Works in Translation and is currently touring Czech and Slovak cities throughout May.